[A new norsesquiterpenoid from Arctium lappa leaves].

Chemical constituents were isolated and purified from ethyl acetate fraction of Arctium lappa leaves by silica gel, ODS, MCI, and Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography. Their structures were identified with multiple spectroscopical methods including NMR, MS, IR, UV, and X-ray diffraction combined with literature data. Twenty compounds(1-20) were identified and their structures were determined as arctanol(1), citroside A(2), melitensin 15-O-ß-D-glucoside(3), 11ß,13-dihydroonopordopicrin(4), 11ß,13-dihydrosalonitenolide(5), 8α-hydroxy-ß-eudesmol(6), syringin(7), dihydrosyringin(8), 3,4,3',4'-tetrahydroxy-δ-truxinate(9),(+)-pinoresinol(10), phillygenin(11), syringaresinol(12), kaeperferol(13), quercetin(14), luteolin(15), hyperin(16), 4,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid(17), 1H-indole-3-carboxaldehyde(18), benzyl-ß-D-glucopyranoside(19), and N-(2'-phenylethyl) isobutyramide(20). Among them, compound 1 is a new norsesquiterpenoid, and compounds 2-5, 7-8, and 18-20 are isolated from this plant for the first time.

Hepatotoxic mechanism of cantharidin: insights and strategies for therapeutic intervention.

Cantharidin (CTD), a natural compound derived from Mylabris, is widely used in traditional Oriental medicine for its potent anticancer properties. However, its clinical application is restricted due to its high toxicity, particularly towards the liver. This review provides a concise understanding of the hepatotoxic mechanisms of CTD and highlights novel therapeutic strategies to mitigate its toxicity while enhancing its anticancer efficacy. We systematically explore the molecular mechanisms underlying CTD-induced hepatotoxicity, focusing on the involvement of apoptotic and autophagic processes in hepatocyte injury. We further discuss the endogenous and exogenous pathways implicated in CTD-induced liver damage and potential therapeutic targets. This review also summarizes the structural modifications of CTD derivatives and their impact on anticancer activity. Additionally, we delve into the advancements in nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems that hold promise in overcoming the limitations of CTD derivatives. By offering valuable insights into the hepatotoxic mechanisms of CTD and outlining potential avenues for future research, this review contributes to the ongoing efforts to develop safer and more effective CTD-based therapies.

Dachaihu decoction ameliorates septic intestinal injury via modulating the gut microbiota and glutathione metabolism as revealed by multi-omics.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Dachaihu decoction (DCH), a classic formula for Yangming and Shaoyang Syndrome Complex recorded in "Treatise on Cold Damage", has been widely used in treating intestinal disorders and inflammatory diseases with few side effects in China. However, the mechanism of DCH on septic intestinal injury (SII) remains to be explored. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to clarify the mechanism of DCH on SII. MATERIALS AND METHODS: SII model of rat, established by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), was used to study the effect of DCH on SII. 24 h mortality was recorded. Histological changes were observed by H&E staining. The expression of tight junction protein ZO-1 (ZO-1) and mucin2 (MUC2) was determined by immunohistochemical analysis. Secretory IgA (sIgA), diamine oxidase (DAO) and intestinal fatty acid binding protein (iFABP) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α were measured by ELISA and quantitative Real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). The gut microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing. The potential targets and pathways of DCH in treating SII were analyzed by integrative analysis of transcriptomic and metabolomic methods. Total glutathione (T-GSH), GSH, GSSG (reduced form of GSH), GSH peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malonaldehyde (MDA) and indicators of hepatic and renal function were measured by biochemical kits. RESULTS: Medium dose of DCH improved 24 h mortality of SII rats, reduced the pathological changes of ileum, and increased the expression levels of ZO-1, MUC2 and sIgA. DCH decreased DAO, iFABP of serum and IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α of ileum. DCH improved α- and ß-diversity and modulated the structure of gut microbiota, with Escherichia_Shigella decreased and Bacteroides and Ruminococcus increased. GSH metabolism was identified as the key pathway of DCH on SII by integrative analysis of transcriptome and metabolome. GSH/GSSG and the most common indicators of oxidative stress, were validated. Antioxidative T-GSH, GSH, GPX and SOD were increased, while MDA, the mark of lipid peroxidation was downregulated by DCH. Eventually, DCH was proved to be safe and hepato- and nephro-protective. CONCLUSION: DCH ameliorated septic intestinal injury possibly by modulating the gut microbiota and enhancing glutathione metabolism of SII rats, without hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity.

Effect of Eucommia ulmoides leaves on hyperuricemia and kidney injury induced by a high-fat/high-fructose diet in rats.

Objectives: To investigate the protective and preventive treatment effects of Eucommia ulmoides leaves on a rat model of high-fat and high-fructose diet (HFFD) induced hyperuricemia and renal injury. Materials and Methods: Network pharmacology and molecular-docking methods were used to predict the effects and action mechanisms of the major components of E. ulmoides leaves on hyperuricemia. Combining literature collection, we used SciFinder and the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database (TCMSP) and Analysis Platform to collect E. ulmoides leaf flavonoid and iridoid components. Swiss Target Prediction, Similarity ensemble approach (SEA), GeneCards, and the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) database were used to obtain core targets, and the Search Tool for Recurring Instances of Neighbouring Genes (STRING) protein database was used as core target for gene ontology enrichment Set and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses. Molecular docking was applied to predict the pathways regulating the metabolism of uric acid. The selected targets and targeting efficacy were validated using a rat model of hyperuricemia and renal injury induced by a high-fat and high-fructose diet. Results: A total of 32 chemical components with effective targets, which regulated the PI3K-AKT pathway and endocrine resistance, were collected. Molecular docking results showed that iridoids and flavonoids are bound to proteins related to inflammation and uric acid metabolism. In addition, it was verified via animal experiments that an E. ulmoides leaf extract ameliorated hyperuricemia, renal injury, and inflammation, which are closely related to the targets Interleukin- 6 (IL-6), Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR4), and Glucose transporter 9 (GLUT9). Conclusion: E. ulmoides leaf flavonoids and iridoids ameliorate hyperuricemia and uric-acid-induced inflammation through a multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway mechanism, which provides a theoretical basis for the development of therapeutics from E. ulmoides leaf components.

[Research progress on role of traditional Chinese medicine in hepatic fibrosis based on miRNA-mediated activation of NLRP3 inflammasome].

In recent years, liver fibrosis has become a hotspot in the field of liver diseases. MicroRNA(miRNA)-mediated Nod-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3) inflammasome activation is pivotal in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. The present study mainly discussed the role of miRNA-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. Different miRNA molecules regulated liver fibrosis by mediating NLRP3 inflammasome activation, including miRNA-350-3 p(miR-350-3 p)/interleukin-6(IL-6)-mediated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)/c-myc signaling pathway, miR-148 a-induced autophagy and apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells via hedgehog signaling pathway, miR-155-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome by the negative feedback of the suppressor of cytokine signaling-1(SOCS-1), miR-181 a-mediated downstream NLRP3 inflammatory pathway activation through mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase(MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK)/nuclear transcription factor κB(NF-κB) inflammatory pathway, miR-21-promoted expression of NF-κB and NLRP3 of RAW264.7 cells in mice by inhibiting tumor necrosis factor-α inducible protein 3(A20), and miR-20 b-promoted expression of IL-1ß and IL-18 by activating NLRP3 signaling pathway. Additionally, the anti-liver fibrosis mechanism of different active components in Chinese medicines(such as Curcumae Rhizoma, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Aurantii Fructus, Polygoni Cuspidati Rhizoma et Radix, Moutan Cortex, Paeoniae Radix Alba, Epimedii Folium, and Cinnamomi Cortex) was also explored based on the anti-liver fibrosis effect of miRNA-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

Baicalein Attenuates Severe Polymicrobial Sepsis via Alleviating Immune Dysfunction of T Lymphocytes and Inflammation.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of baicalein on polymicrobial sepsis-induced immune dysfunction and organ injury. METHODS: A sepsis model was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats via caecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Specific pathogen free rats were randomly divided into a sham group, CLP group and CLP + baicalein (Bai) group (n=16 each). Rats in the CLP + Bai group were intravenously injected with baicalein (20 mg/kg) at 1 and 10 h after CLP. Survival rate, bacterial load, and organ damage were assessed. Then each group was evaluated at 6, 12, and 24 h to investigate the effect of baicalein on immune cells and inflammatory cytokines in septic rats. RESULTS: Baicalein treatment significantly improved the survival of septic rats, decreased the bacterial burden, and moderated tissue damage (spleen, liver, and lung), as observed by haematoxylin and eosin staining. Septic rats treated with baicalein had strikingly increased proportions of CD3+CD4+ T cells and ratios of CD4+/CD8+ T cells in the peripheral blood and spleen (all P<0.05). Moreover, baicalein treatment decreased the apoptotic rate of whole white blood cells and spleen cells at 24 h after surgery (P<0.05). Baicalein significantly reduced the levels of tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and increased IL-10, and the expression levels of galectin 9 were also raised in the spleen (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Baicalein may be an effective immunomodulator that attenuates overwhelming inflammatory responses in severe abdominal sepsis.

Multiple psychological characteristics predict housing mortgage loan behavior: A holistic model based on machine learning.

The factors that influence consumers' house choice are debatable. Previous studies have examined the effects of demographic and socioeconomic attributes, physical and environmental features of the house, and isolated single psychological characteristics on housing behavior. However, these factors are still not sufficient to predict consumer housing behavior, particularly when they are measured separately. We construct a holistic model that integrates psychological characteristics including values, personality traits, motivation, decision-making style, and risk-seeking together with demographic and socioeconomic factors to jointly predict housing mortgage loan behavior. This study aims to use a newly developed statistical method, "machine learning," to examine the relationship between multiple psychological characteristics and consumer housing mortgage loan behavior. Data were collected through an online survey (N = 2,270). The results show that the holistic psychological model is effective for predicting consumer housing mortgage loan behavior in the life context. Moreover, by analyzing and comparing the relative impact of all predictors, we find that psychological characteristics made a more important contribution to predicting housing mortgage loan behavior than did traditional factors (demographic and socioeconomic factors). The results provide a new perspective for understanding the effects of how multiple psychological characteristics integrally predict consumers' housing mortgage loan behavior in the real estate market. Theoretical and practical implications for marketing and sales are discussed.

Inhibition of Glutamine Uptake Improves the Efficacy of Cetuximab on Gastric Cancer.

Treatment for advanced gastric cancer is challenging. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) contributes to the proliferation and development of gastric cancer (GC), and its overexpression is associated with unfavorable prognosis in GC. Cetuximab, a monoclonal antibody targeting EGFR, failed to improve the overall survival of gastric cancer patients indicated in phase III randomized trials. Glutamine is a vital nutrient for tumor growth and its metabolism contributes to therapeutic resistance, making glutamine uptake an attractive target for cancer treatment. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether intervention of glutamine uptake could improve the effect of cetuximab on GC. The results of MTT assay showed that by glutamine deprivation or inhibition of glutamine uptake, the viability of gastric carcinoma cells was inhibited more severely than that of human immortal gastric mucosa epithelial cells (GES-1). The expression of the key glutamine transporter alanine-serine-cysteine (ASC) transporter 2 (ASCT2; SLC1A5) was significantly higher in gastric carcinoma tissues and various gastric carcinoma cell lines than in normal gastric tissues and cells, as shown by immunohistochemistry and western blotting, while silencing ASCT2 significantly inhibited the viability and proliferation of gastric carcinoma cells. Consistent with previous studies, it was shown herein by MTT and EdU assays that cetuximab had a weak inhibitory effect on the cell viability of gastric carcinoma cells. However, inhibiting glutamine uptake by blockade of ASCT2 with l-γ-glutamyl-p-nitroanilide (GPNA) significantly enhanced the inhibitory effect of cetuximab on suppressing the proliferation of gastric cancer both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, combining cetuximab and GPNA induced cell apoptosis considerably in gastric carcinoma cells, as shown by flow cytometry, and had a higher depressing effect on gastric cancer proliferation both in vitro and in vivo, as compared to either treatment alone. The present study suggested that inhibition of glutamine uptake may be a promising strategy for improving the inhibitory efficacy of cetuximab on advanced gastric cancer.

An auricular division method based on ASM algorithm.

BACKGROUND: Auricular acupuncture point (AAP) therapy is an important part of traditional Chinese medicine and is featured with a sophisticated location method based on the division of auricular subzones. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to realize the automatic computerized division on the relatively small area of the research object which has long been considered difficult. METHOD: We propose a novel method based on the active shape model algorithm and the "Name and location of AAPs" issued by the World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies (WFAS STANDARD-002:2013). RESULTS: The experimental results showed that the subzones of the auricle could be divided for the location of AAPs using the proposed method automatically and efficiently. The average Hausdorff distance and Euclid distance of landmarks between the machine and the manual positioning were 6.28 ± 0.50 and 6.67 ± 0.59, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed method might provide benefits for further development of therapeutic and educational applications of AAPs.

Clinical efficacy and safety of Shuxuetong injection for acute myocardial infarction: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Shuxuetong injection (SXT) is a Chinese medicine injection and has been widely used for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in Asia. However, whether SXT has a definite efficacy and safety is poorly understood. The aim of our study was to clarify the effect of SXT on clinical symptoms alliavation and survival in AMI patients. METHODS: A systematic reviews of SXT combined with conventional therapy treating AMI will be searched in 8 electronic databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Wanfang Database, China Biology Medicine (CBM), Google Scholar, Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP), and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), from inception to December 2020. The literature will extracted by 2 researchers independently and the methodological quality of the included study will be evaluated. We will use the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system to evaluate the evidence quality of the included literature. RevMan software (version 5.3) will be applied for the original research data synthesis. RESULTS: The results of our study will be published in a peer reviewed journal. CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis will provide the latest evidence to determine whether SXT is an effective intervention for AMI patients.

Acupuncture techniques for COPD: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: This is the second part of a large spectrum systematic review which aims to identify and assess the evidence for the efficacy of non-pharmacological acupuncture techniques in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The results of all techniques except for filiform needle are described in this publication. METHODS: Eleven different databases were screened for randomised controlled trials up to June 2019. Authors in pairs extracted the data and assessed the risk of bias independently. RevMan 5.3 software was used for the meta-analysis. RESULTS: Thirty-three trials met the inclusion criteria, which involved the follow techniques: AcuTENS (7 trials), moxibustion (11 trials), acupressure (7 trials), ear acupuncture (6 trials), acupressure and ear acupuncture combined (1 trial) and cupping (1 trial). Due to the great heterogeneity, only 7 meta-analysis could be performed (AcuTENS vs sham on quality of life and exercise capacity, acupressure vs no acupressure on quality of life and anxiety and ear acupuncture vs sham on FEV1 and FEV1/FVC) with only acupressure showing statistical differences for quality of life (SMD: -0.63 95%CI: - 0.88, - 0.39 I2 = 0%) and anxiety (HAM-A scale MD:-4.83 95%CI: - 5.71, - 3.94 I2 = 0%). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, strong evidence in favour of any technique was not found. Acupressure could be beneficial for dyspnoea, quality of life and anxiety, but this is based on low quality trials. Further large well-designed randomised control trials are needed to elucidate the possible role of acupuncture techniques in the treatment of COPD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO (identifier: CRD42014015074).

Bioinformatic and biochemical findings disclosed anti-hepatic steatosis mechanism of calycosin.

As revealed in previous reports, calycosin is a functional flavonoid characterized with identified pharmacological activities. Most of evidences are used to demonstrate the anti-cancer benefits of calycosin, however, the existing study of anti-fatty liver medicated by calycosin is limitedly reported. Recently, an emerging avenue based on network pharmacology may contribute to excavate the biological targets and molecular mechanisms of calycosin for anti-fatty liver. In confirmatory experiments, the human and animal studies were subjected to verify some of bioinformatic results. Accordingly, bioinformatic data based on network pharmacology suggested that discoverable biotargets of calycosin for anti-fatty liver were aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2), Niemann pick C1 (NPC1), high mobility group protein 1 (HMGB1), bilirubin UDP glucuronosyltransferase 1 (UGT1A1), mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 (MAPK3), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), hydroxytryptamine receptor 2 (HTR2), migration inhibitory factor (MIF), cytochrome P450, family 19A1 (CYP19A1). Furthermore, all significant biological characteristics and mechanisms of to treat fatty liver were revealed in several. In human findings, the blood tests showed changed glucose and lipid contents, elevated insulin resistance and inflammatory stress. And fatty liver sections from patients resulted in negative expressions of ALDH2, NPC1, and positive HMGB1 expression. In a study in vivo, calycosin-treated high fat diet (HFD)-fed mice exhibited reduced liver weights, decreased fasting serum glucose and insulin, liver functional transaminases, blood lipids, metabolic enzymes, and inflammatory cytokines. And the data in gene tests displayed up-regulations of ALDH2, NPC1 mRNAs, and down-regulation of HMGB1 mRNA in calycosin-treated liver samples. Together, the current bioinformatic data demonstrate biological targets, functions and mechanisms of calycosin for anti-fatty liver. Interestingly, these bioinformatic findings can be partially verified with clinical and animal samples.

Filiform needle acupuncture for copd: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This is the first part of a larger spectrum systematic review which aims to identify and evaluates the effectiveness of all different non-pharmacological acupuncture techniques used for COPD. In this first publication, we describe the results of filiform needle acupuncture METHODS: Randomised controlled trials up to May 2019 were searched in 11 databases. Data extraction and risk of bias assessment was conducted in pairs independently. RevMan 5.3 was used for the meta-analysis. RESULTS: 28 trials using filiform needle alone or in combination of other techniques were included. Compared with no acupuncture, no difference was seen for dyspnoea, but statistical benefits were found on quality of life (Std. MD: -0.62, 95%CI: -0.90, -0.34), exercise capacity (stable subgroup) (6MWT MD: 33.05 m, 95%CI: 19.11, 46.99) and lung function (FEV1% MD: 1.58, 95%CI: 0.51, 2.66). Compared with sham, statistical benefits were found on dyspnoea (Std. MD: -1.07, 95%CI: -1.58, -0.56), quality of life (Std. MD: -0.81, 95%CI: -1.12, -0.49), exercise capacity (6MWT MD: 76.68 m, 95% CI: 39.93, 113.43) and lung function (FEV1% MD: 5.40, 95%CI: 2.90, 7.91; FEV1/FVC MD: 6.64, 95%CI: 3.44, 9.83). CONCLUSIONS: Results show that filiform needle acupuncture might be beneficial for COPD, but due to the low quality of the studies this should be confirmed by future well-designed trials. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO (identifier: CRD42014015074).

The Qigong Wuqinxi for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic and progressive disease that represents an important public health challenge nowadays. Despite the growing number of studies assessing the rehabilitation outcome of Wuqinxi for COPD, their many variables and observations are often explored with a relatively small sample size, accordingly maybe lead to potential false-positive results. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the rehabilitation efficacy of Wuqinxi for COPD. METHODS: A detailed search for articles up to June 2019 will be performed to identify randomized controlled trials for Wuqinxi in COPD. The following database will be used: PUBMED, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, Sino Med, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Science and Technology Periodicals Database, and Wanfang Database. Grey literature will be explored and the selection of studies, data extraction and validation will performed independently by 2 reviewers using predefined selection criteria and quality indicators. Stata V.13.0 and Review manager 5.3 software will be used for data synthesis, sensitivity analysis, subgroup analysis, and risk of bias assessment. We will use the grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation system to assess the quality of evidence. RESULTS: This research will update previous evidence summaries and provide a quantitative and standardized assessment of the rehabilitation efficacy of Wuqinxi for COPD. CONCLUSION: This systematic review will generate the latest evidence for determining whether Wuqinxi has a positive rehabilitation effect for COPD.PROSPERO registration number: PROSPERO CRD 42019120960.

Effect of Baduanjin exercise on patients with chronic heart failure: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic heart failure (CHF) is defined when the heart is unable to pump sufficiently to maintain blood flow to meet the body's needs, and it is caused by various cardiopulmonary diseases. CHF is a common, lifelong and costly condition. Baduanjin exercise (BDJE), a form of traditional Chinese regimen, has been integrated into China's clinical practice in recent years and has shown promise in cardiac rehabilitation of CHF patients. However, the efficacy of BDJE on CHF patients has not been fully statistically evaluated. In this study, we aim to systematically examine the efficacy and safety of BDJE for CHF patients. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A systematic literature search for articles up to October 2018 will be conducted in the following databases: Web of Science, Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Chinese Science and Technology Periodicals Database, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wanfang Database. We will also search other resources. Randomised controlled trials that examined treatment of CHF patients with BDJE will be selected. Results will be analysed by assessing the quality of life of patients using the Minnesota living with heart failure questionnaire, and measurement of distance walked over a span of 6 min in the 6 min walk test. RevMan 5.3 will be used for data synthesis, sensitivity analysis, meta-regression analysis, subgroup analysis and risk of bias assessment. A funnel plot will be developed to evaluate reporting bias, and Begg and Egger tests will be used to assess funnel plot symmetries. Grading of recommendations assessment, development and evaluation system will be utilised to assess the quality of evidence. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This systematic review will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal. PROSPEROREGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42018114672.

Four new caffeoylgluconic acid positional isomers from the fruits of Evodia rutaecarpa.

Four new compounds, 4-O-trans-caffeoylgluconic acid (1), 2-O-trans-caffeoylgluconic acid (2), 3-O-trans-caffeoylgluconic acid (3), 5-O-trans-caffeoylgluconic acid (4), together with three known ones including 6-O-trans-caffeoylgluconic acid (5), neochlorogenic acid (6), chlorogenic acid (7) were obtained from the fruits of Evodia rutaecarpa. Their structure elucidation was achieved by the methods of spectroscopic analyses, including HR-ESI-MS, NMR, and by comparison with literatures. The hepatotoxicity of compounds 1-3 was evaluated by CCK-8 method. [Formula: see text].

[Research,evaluation,industry status and development strategy of traditional Chinese medicine functional food].

With the development of social economy,people's demand for health services is growing rapidly. As health resource with Chinese characteristics,health food containing Chinese materia medica have broad prospect and great market space for development.However,at present,there are still many problems of health food containing Chinese materia media in the research,development,evaluation and market application. In addition,due to lack of theoretical support of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) in the research and development of health food containing Chinese materia media,blurred boundaries between health food containing Chinese materia media and other health products as well as TCM are present,lacking of TCM characteristics. In the evaluation process of health food containing Chinese materia media,the construction of functional food laws,regulations and evaluation norms is relatively lagging behind,which can't meet the needs of health food containing Chinese materia media research and development,severely restricting the development of health food containing Chinese materia media. Based on the research and evaluation of health food containing Chinese materia media,the existing problems were reviewed and the reasons for the deficiencies were analyzed in this paper. Guided by the theory of TCM,based on the constitution identification in TCM,and combined with modern scientific and technological means,a new research and development mode of functional food was put forward in this paper to distinguish health food containing Chinese materia media from TCM as well as general health products. Nevertheless,we should ensure the vitality of Chinese medicine health products with original thinking and scientific and technological connotations,and accelerate the harmonious,rapid and sustainable development of Chinese medicine health industry.

[Current evaluation situation and research strategies on enhanced immune function of health food containing Chinese materia medica].

At present,the function evaluation of health food containing Chinese materia medica is in lack of theoretical support of Chinese medicine,which can't reflect the function characteristics,dose-effect relationship and mechanism of functional food. What' s more,the evaluation technology of health food containing Chinese materia medica is relatively lagging behind and has been abolished now,which seriously restricts the development of health food containing Chinese materia medica industry. The proportion of health food containing Chinese materia medica with enhancing immune function is the highest among approved products,which is up to 30.33%. By collecting,analyzing and digging the current evaluation situation of enhancing immune function of health food containing Chinese materia medica,this paper has shown that there is no difference between health food containing Chinese materia medica evaluation and other functional food evaluation. What's more,there is a lack of characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). The technological means including evaluation of immune active substances is under-developed and the immune cell evaluation needs to be refined and improved urgently,restricting the development of health food containing Chinese materia medica industry. Therefore,the evaluation of the enhanced immune function of health food containing Chinese materia medica should be guided by health-preserving theory in TCM,and based on the identification of TCM constitution for its claim of health function. With TCM theory and modern scientific technological means,a new evaluation model for immune function enhancement of health food containing Chinese materia medica is put forward to distinguish it from other functional food and traditional medicines. Formulation of the evaluation technology and technical specifications suitable for health food containing Chinese materia medica can fundamentally ensure the healthy,orderly,fast and sustainable development of health food containing Chinese materia medica industry.

Ruthenium complexes/polypeptide self-assembled nanoparticles for identification of bacterial infection and targeted antibacterial research.

Bacterial infection has been a threat to human health, and so early diagnosis and treatment of bacterial infection is an urgent problem that needs to be solved. In this work, a multifunctional theranostic selenium nanoplatform (Se@PEP-Ru NPs) with early imaging diagnosis and efficient treatment of bacterial infections was designed and constructed. First, the antibacterial peptide UBI29-41 (PEP) was linked to functionalized Selenium nanoparticles (NPs), which enhanced the stability of the antimicrobial peptide and also caused the nanocomposites to specifically target bacterial infection. Ruthenium complexes with good antibacterial activity and fluorescence properties were then coated on to their outer layers. It was worth mentioning that, when the resulting nanoprobe was injected into mice by intravenous injection it was found to be sensitive to sites of bacterial infection for selective fluorescence imaging and targeted therapy. Thus, it can be used to distinguish between bacterial infection, inflammation, and tumor-induced tissue infection with high specificity. In the further antibacterial activity experiments, Ruthenium complexes showed synergistic antimicrobial activity with Se NPs, which indicated that the antibacterial activity of Se@PEP-Ru NPs was the strongest that could promote wound healing. Thus, Se@PEP-Ru NPs appears to be a promising antimicrobial with good biocompatibility, excellent selectivity, and potent antimicrobial activity.

Involvement of P2X7 receptor signaling on regulating the differentiation of Th17 cells and type II collagen-induced arthritis in mice.

Interleukin (IL)-17 producing T helper (Th17) cells are major effector cells in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) has emerged as a potential site in the regulation of inflammation in RA but little is known of its functional role on the differentiation of Th17 cells. This study investigates the in vitro and in vivo effects of P2X7R on Th17 cell differentiation during type II collagen (CII) induced experimental arthritis model. In CII-treated dendritic cells (DCs) and DC/CD4+ T coculture system, pretreatment with pharmacological antagonists of P2X7R (Suramin and A-438079) caused strong inhibition of production of Th17-promoting cytokines (IL-1ß, TGF-ß1, IL-23p19 and IL-6). Exposure to CII induced the elevation of mRNAs encoding retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor α and γt, which were abolished by pretreatment with P2X7R antagonists. Furthermore, blocking P2X7R signaling abolished the CII-mediated increase in IL-17A. Blockade of P2X7R remarkably inhibited hind paw swelling and ameliorated pathological changes in ankle joint of the collagen-induced arthritis mice. Thus, we demonstrated a novel function for P2X7R signaling in regulating CII-induced differentiation of Th17 cells. P2X7R signaling facilitates the development of the sophisticated network of DC-derived cytokines that favors a Th17 phenotype.