Attenuating effect of magnesium on pulmonary arterial calcification in rodent models of pulmonary hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: Vascular calcification has been considered as a potential therapeutic target in pulmonary hypertension. Mg2+ has a protective role against calcification. This study aimed to investigate whether Mg2+ could alleviate pulmonary hypertension by reducing medial calcification of pulmonary arteries. METHODS: Monocrotaline (MCT)-induced and chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension rats were given an oral administration of 10% MgSO4 (10 ml/kg per day). Additionally, we administered Mg2+ in calcified pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) after incubating with ß-glycerophosphate (ß-GP, 10 mmol/l). RESULTS: In vivo, MCT-induced and chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension indexes, including right ventricular systolic pressure, right ventricular mass index, and arterial wall thickness, as well as Alizarin Red S (ARS) staining-visualized calcium deposition, high calcium levels, and osteochondrogenic differentiation in pulmonary arteries, were mitigated by dietary Mg2+ intake. In vitro, ß-GP-induced calcium-rich deposits stained by ARS, calcium content, as well as the detrimental effects of calcification to proliferation, migration, and resistance to apoptosis of PASMCs were alleviated by high Mg2+ but exacerbated by low Mg2+. Expression levels of mRNA and protein of ß-GP-induced osteochondrogenic markers, RUNX Family Transcription Factor 2, and Msh Homeobox 2 were decreased by high Mg2+ but increased by low Mg2+; however, Mg2+ did not affect ß-GP-induced expression of SRY-Box Transcription Factor 9. Moreover, mRNA expression and protein levels of ß-GP-reduced calcification inhibitor, Matrix GLA protein was increased by high Mg2+ but decreased by low Mg2+. CONCLUSION: Mg2+ supplement is a powerful strategy to treat pulmonary hypertension by mitigating pulmonary arterial calcification as the calcification triggered physiological and pathological changes to PASMCs.

Predictive Value of HPV E6/E7 mRNA Detection on the Outcome of Cervical LSIL.

Objective. To assess the predictive worth of HPV E6/E7 mRNA detection in the outcome of the cervical low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL). From September 2017 to early September 2019, patients screened for high-risk HPV positive or abnormal cervical liquid-based cytology were retrospectively analyzed and diagnosed with LSIL by cervical biopsy were recruited. The independent influencing factors of the regression of LSIL lesions after follow-up were analyzed, and the outcome of LSIL was calculated. The results of the initial colposcopy in this study were CIN I, CIN II/P16-negative, CIN II/P16-positive, and CIN III. At the time of re-examination, LSIL patients had three outcomes: regression, persistence, and progression. In the two follow-ups, 330 patients were finally included, including 276 CIN I patients (group A) and 54 CIN II/P16-negative patients (group B). The positive rates of HPV E6/E7 mRNA in each group were 66.67% and 70.37% for A and B, respectively. The total positive rate of E6/E7 mRNA was 67.27%, and there was no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). After 1 year follow-up, whether HPV E6/E7 mRNA regressed or was negative was associated with the outcome of LSIL-related lesions (P < 0.05). The regression or negative rate of HPV E6/E7 mRNA was 1.57 times higher than the progression rate of HPV E6/E7 mRNA-positive diagnosis of LSIL lesions. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that age at first sexual intercourse, HPV E6/E7 mRNA results, and lesion type were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Whether HPV E6/E7 mRNA was negative (OR = 2.420, P=0.001) and age at first sexual intercourse ≥20 years (OR = 0.420, P=0.002) were independent influencing factors associated with LSIL regression. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that age of first sexual intercourse ≥20 years (OR = 0.420, P=0.002) and HPV E6/E7 mRNA-negative (OR = 2.420, P=0.001) were independent factors associated with LSIL. HPV E6/E7 mRNA detection can be used for predicting the outcome of LSIL and has a good application value.

The role of routine laboratory tests after unilateral total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies suggest that routine laboratory tests are not required within 1 day after partial knee arthroplasty. In this study, we evaluated the utility of routine postoperative laboratory tests after initial unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in an Asian population. In addition, we explored risk factors associated with abnormal test results. METHODS: Clinical data of patients who underwent original unilateral TKA between 2015 and 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Patient characteristics and laboratory test results were recorded. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors associated with 3 abnormal laboratory results. RESULTS: A total of 713 patients, who underwent relevant laboratory tests within 3 days of TKA surgery, were enrolled. Among them, 8.1%, 9.9%, and 3.4% patients with anemia, hypoalbuminemia, and abnormal serum potassium levels required clinical intervention after surgery. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that preoperative hemoglobin levels, estimated blood loss, and age were independent risk factors of postoperative blood transfusion in TKA patients. On the other hand, preoperative albumin levels, intraoperative blood loss, and operation time were risk factors associated with postoperative albumin supplementation. In addition, lower body mass index (BMI) and preoperative hypokalemia were potential risk factors of postoperative potassium supplementation. CONCLUSION: Considering that more than 90% of abnormal postoperative laboratory tests do not require clinical intervention, we believe that routine laboratory tests after surgery have little significance in patients with primary unilateral TKA. However, postoperative laboratory testing is necessary for patients with established risk factors.

Molecular Basis Underlying Hepatobiliary and Renal Excretion of Phenolic Acids of Salvia miltiorrhiza Roots (Danshen).

Phenolic acids are cardiovascular constituents (originating from the Chinese medicinal herb Salvia miltiorrhiza root/Danshen) of DanHong and many other Danshen-containing injections. Our earlier pharmacokinetic investigation of DanHong suggested that hepatic and/or renal uptake of the Danshen compounds was the crucial steps in their systemic elimination. This investigation was designed to survey the molecular basis underlying hepatobiliary and renal excretion of the Danshen compounds, i.e., protocatechuic acid, tanshinol, rosmarinic acid, salvianolic acid D, salvianolic acid A, lithospermic acid, and salvianolic acid B. A large battery of human hepatic and renal transporters were screened for transporting the Danshen compounds and then characterized for the uptake kinetics and also compared with associated rat transporters. The samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Because the Danshen phenolic acids are of poor or fairly good membrane permeability, their elimination via the liver or kidneys necessitates transporter-mediated hepatic or renal uptake from blood. Several human transporters were found to mediate hepatic and/or renal uptake of the Danshen compounds in a compound-molecular-mass-related manner. Lithospermic acid and salvianolic acid B (both >500 Da) underwent systemic elimination, initiated by organic anion-transporting polypeptide (OATP)1B1/OATP1B3-mediated hepatic uptake. Rosmarinic acid and salvianolic acids D (350-450 Da) underwent systemic elimination, initiated by OATP1B1/OATP1B3/organic anion transporter (OAT)2-mediated hepatic uptake and by OAT1/OAT2-mediated renal uptake. Protocatechuic acid and tanshinol (both <200 Da) underwent systemic elimination, initiated by OAT1/OAT2-mediated renal uptake and OAT2-mediated hepatic uptake. A similar scenario was observed with the rat orthologs. The investigation findings advance our understanding of the disposition of the Danshen phenolic acids and could facilitate pharmacokinetic research on other Danshen-containing injections.

The potential use of folate and its derivatives in treating psychiatric disorders: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the strengths and limitations of existing data to provide guidance for the use of folate supplements as treatment, with or without other psychotropic medications, in various psychiatric disorders. To identify area for further research in terms of the biosynthesis of mechanism of folate and genetic variants in metabolic pathway in human. METHODS: A systematic review of published literature following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, to assess whether folate supplements are beneficial in certain psychiatric disorders (depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). Methodology of this review is registered with Prospero (Registration number CRD 42021266605). DATA SOURCES: Eligible studies were identified using a systematic search of four electronic databases: Embase, Pubmed, PsycINFO, and Cochrane. The search strategy covered the time period from 1974 to August 16th, 2021. Therefore, this review examines randomized control trials or open-label trials completed during this period. RESULTS: We identified 23 studies of folate supplements in various psychiatric disorders for critical review. Of these, 9 studies investigated the efficacy of folate supplements in major depressive disorders, 5 studies in schizophrenia, 6 studies in autism spectrum disorder, 2 studies in bipolar affective disorder and 1 study in attention deficit hyperactive disorder. The most consistent finding association of oral levomefolic acid or 5-methylfolate with improvement in clinical outcomes in mental health conditions as mentioned above, especially in major depressive disorder (including postpartum and post-menopausal depression), schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and bipolar affective disorder. Folate supplements were well tolerated. LIMITATION: Our results are not representative of all types of studies such as case reports or case series studies, nor are they representative of the studies conducted in languages that are not in English or not translated in English. CONCLUSION: Increasing evidence from clinical trials consistently demonstrate folate supplements, especially levomefolic acid or 5-methylfolate, may improve clinical outcomes for certain psychiatric diseases, especially as an adjunct pharmacotherapy with minimal side effects.

Clearable Nanoparticles for Cancer Photothermal Therapy.

Nanoparticles are important mediators for cancer photothermal therapy (PTT) where they can efficiently convert photon energy into heat and ablate the surrounding cancer cells with superior spatial and temporal precision. Recent decades have witnessed a booming development of numerous formulations of PTT nanoparticles that exhibit outstanding anti-tumor efficacy in preclinical studies. However, their clinical translation has been mined by safety concerns, especially their long-term impact on human body. Biodegradable nanoparticles that can be excreted after PTT, therefore, are gaining popularity due to their biocompatibility and improved safety profiles. This chapter provides an update on the progress in clearable PTT nanoparticles for cancer treatment. We discuss their design, synthesis strategy, and physicochemical properties relevant to photothermal performance. We also review their biodistribution patterns and in vivo anti-tumor efficacy, along with their degradation mechanism and clearance kinetics. Lastly, we present a brief overview of the imaging techniques to noninvasively monitor the degradation of PTT nanoparticles.

Effect of chemical composition of black tea infusion on the color of milky tea.

Milky tea is popular in many countries and its color is an important sensory property. The effects of black tea infusion on the color of milky tea prepared with non-dairy creamer were investigated. The results showed that the redder black tea infusion produced milky tea with more redness, and the color of milky tea was a pleasant pink when the a* value (redness indicator) was in the range of 6.0-7.0. Correlation analysis revealed that the respective theaflavins (TFs), thearubigins (TRs), thearubigins (TBs), (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and chlorogenic acid contents significantly correlated with the a* values of milky tea. A series of complementary experiments were performed to elucidate that TFs and EGCG contributed to the redness of milky tea. The color formation was mainly associated with the binding of phenols to the proteins in the non-dairy creamer. These results contribute to understand the mechanism of color formation in milky tea.

Magnesium Supplementation Attenuates Pulmonary Hypertension via Regulation of Magnesium Transporters.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterized by profound vascular remodeling and altered Ca2+ homeostasis in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). Magnesium ion (Mg2+), a natural Ca2+ antagonist and a cofactor for numerous enzymes, is crucial for regulating diverse cellular functions, but its roles in PH remains unclear. Here, we examined the roles of Mg2+ and its transporters in PH development. Chronic hypoxia and monocrotaline induced significant PH in adult male rats. It was associated with a reduction of [Mg2+]i in PASMCs, a significant increase in gene expressions of Cnnm2, Hip14, Hip14l, Magt1, Mmgt1, Mrs2, Nipa1, Nipa2, Slc41a1, Slc41a2 and Trpm7; upregulation of SLC41A1, SLC41A2, CNNM2, and TRPM7 proteins; and downregulation of SLC41A3 mRNA and protein. Mg2+ supplement attenuated pulmonary arterial pressure, right heart hypertrophy, and medial wall thickening of pulmonary arteries, and reversed the changes in the expression of Mg2+ transporters. Incubation of PASMCs with a high concentration of Mg2+ markedly inhibited PASMC proliferation and migration, and increased apoptosis, whereas a low level of Mg2+ produced the opposite effects. siRNA targeting Slc41a1/2, Cnnm2, and Trpm7 attenuated PASMC proliferation and migration, but promoted apoptosis; and Slc41a3 overexpression also caused similar effects. Moreover, siRNA targeting Slc41a1 or high [Mg2+] incubation inhibited hypoxia-induced upregulation and nuclear translocation of NFATc3 in PASMCs. The results, for the first time, provide the supportive evidence that Mg2+ transporters participate in the development of PH by modulating PASMC proliferation, migration, and apoptosis; and Mg2+ supplementation attenuates PH through regulation of Mg2+ transporters involving the NFATc3 signaling pathway.

Preventive treatment with ginsenoside Rb1 ameliorates monocrotaline-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension in rats and involves store-operated calcium entry inhibition.

CONTEXT: Ginsenoside Rb1, the main active ingredient of ginseng, exhibits ex vivo depression of store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) and related vasoconstriction in pulmonary arteries derived from pulmonary hypertension (PH) rats. However, the in vivo effects of ginsenoside Rb1 on PH remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: This study explored the possibility of using ginsenoside Rb1 as an in vivo preventive medication for type I PH, i.e., pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), and potential mechanisms involving SOCE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats (170-180 g) were randomly divided into Control, MCT, and MCT + Rb1 groups (n = 20). Control rats received only saline injection. Rats in the MCT + Rb1 and MCT groups were intraperitoneally administered single doses of 50 mg/kg monocrotaline (MCT) combined with 30 mg/kg/day ginsenoside Rb1 or equivalent volumes of saline for 21 consecutive days. Subsequently, comprehensive parameters related to SOCE, vascular tone, histological changes and hemodynamics were measured. RESULTS: Ginsenoside Rb1 reduced MCT-induced STIM1, TRPC1, and TRPC4 expression by 35.00, 31.96, and 32.24%, respectively, at the protein level. SOCE-related calcium entry and pulmonary artery contraction decreased by 162.6 nM and 71.72%. The mean pulmonary artery pressure, right ventricle systolic pressure, and right ventricular mass index decreased by 19.5 mmHg, 21.6 mmHg, and 39.50%. The wall thickness/radius ratios decreased by 14.67 and 17.65%, and the lumen area/total area ratios increased by 18.55 and 15.60% in intrapulmonary vessels with 51-100 and 101-150 µm o.d. CONCLUSION: Ginsenoside Rb1, a promising candidate for PH prevention, inhibited SOCE and related pulmonary vasoconstriction, and relieved MCT-induced PAH in rats.

Comparison of the efficacy of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil with other current pharmacological management in human demodicosis: A Systematic Review.

Various treatments are found to be moderately effective in managing Demodex-related diseases except tea tree oil (TTO) and terpinen-4-ol (T4O), which showed superior miticidal and anti-inflammatory effects in numerous clinical studies. Their possible effects include lowering mite counts, relieving Demodex-related symptoms, and modulating the immune system. This review summarizes the current clinical topical and oral treatments in human demodicosis, their possible mechanisms of action, side-effects and resistance in treating this condition. TTO (especially T4O) is found to be the most effective followed by metronidazole, ivermectin and permethrin in managing the disease. This is because TTO has anti-parasitic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects. Furthermore, nanoTTO can even release its contents into fungus and Pseudomonas biofilms. Combinations of different treatments are occasionally needed for refractory cases, especially for individuals with underlying genetic predisposal or are immuno-compromised. Although the current treatments show efficacy in controlling the Demodex mite population and the related symptoms, further research needs to be focused on the efficacy and drug delivery technology in order to develop alternative treatments with better side-effects profiles, less toxicity, lower risk of resistance and are more cost-effective.

A protocol of systematic review and meta-analysis of neuromuscular electrical stimulation for interstitial cystitis.

BACKGROUND: This study will examine the effectiveness and safety of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) for the treatment of patients with interstitial cystitis (IC). METHODS: We will retrieve the following electronic databases from their commencements to the March 1, 2020 to discover all related potential studies: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Chinese Scientific Journal Database, and WANFANG Database. Randomized controlled trials related to the NMES for the treatment of patients with IC will be included, regardless publication status and language. Literature selection, data collection, and study quality assessment will be independently performed by 2 authors. The extracted data will be expressed as risk ratio and 95% confidence intervals for dichotomous data, and mean difference or standard mean difference and 95% confidence intervals for continuous data. RevMan V.5.3 software will be employed for statistical analysis. RESULTS: This study will summarize current high quality randomized controlled trials to appraise the effectiveness and safety of NMES for the treatment of patients with IC. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study will provide helpful evidence to determine whether NMES is an effective treatment for patients with IC or not. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42020170495.

Efficacy of pirarubicin for nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer: A protocol of systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study will aim to appraise the efficacy and safety of pirarubicin for the treatment of patients with nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). METHODS: We will perform a comprehensive literature search in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure from their beginning to the February 29, 2020. All randomized controlled trials of pirarubicin for NMIBC will be included regardless limitations related to the language and publication time. Two researchers will independently select studies from searched records, extract data from included randomized controlled trials, and assess study quality using Cochrane risk of bias tool. Any differences between them will be solved with the help of another researcher. RevMan 5.3 software will be utilized for statistical analysis. RESULTS: This study will provide a synthesis of current evidence to investigate the efficacy and safety of pirarubicin for NMIBC using overall survival, progression-free survival, recurrence-free survival, quality of, rates of recurrence, and adverse events. CONCLUSION: This study will explore whether or not pirarubicin can be used as an effective and safety treatment for patients with NMIBC. REGISTRATION NUMBER: INPLASY202040113.

The impact of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on glycemic control in patients with gestational diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies.

Background: Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation shows some treatment efficacy for gestational diabetes. This systematic review and meta-analysis is conducted to investigate the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation for glycemic control in patients with gestational diabetes.Methods: The databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of science, EBSCO, and Cochrane Library databases are systematically searched for collecting the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acid versus placebo for gestational diabetes.Results: This meta-analysis has included seven RCTs. Compared with placebo group in patients with gestational diabetes, omega-3 fatty acids supplementation results in remarkably reduced fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (standard mean difference (std. MD) = -0.56; 95% confidence interval (CI) = -0.87 to -0.24; p = .0005), homeostatic model of assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (std. MD = -0.52; 95% CI = -0.83 to -0.21; p = .001), but has no statistical impact on macrosomia (risk ratio (RR) = 0.48; 95% CI = 0.22-1.02; p = .06), newborns' hyperbilirubinemia (RR = 0.46; 95% CI = 0.19-1.10; p = .08), nitric oxide (NO) (std. MD = 0.17; 95% CI = -0.64-0.98; p = .68), preterm delivery (RR = 1.75; 95% CI = 0.08-3.80; p=.16) and preeclampsia (RR =0.74; 95% CI = 0.26-2.16; p = .59). However, notably decreased high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is revealed after omega-3 fatty acids supplementation (std. MD = -1.14; 95% CI = -2.0 to -0.29; p = .009).Conclusions: Omega-3 fatty acids supplementation can provide substantially beneficial effects on glycemic control and inflammatory response for gestational diabetes.

The Ethyl Acetate Extract of Gynura formosana Kitam. Leaves Inhibited Cervical Cancer Cell Proliferation via Induction of Autophagy.

Gynura formosana Kitam. belongs to the Compositae family and has been traditionally used for the prevention of cancer, diabetes, and inflammation in China. Previous studies had indicated that the ethyl acetate extract of Gynura formosana Kitam. leaves (EAEG) exhibited antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. In this report, we demonstrated that EAEG possessed potent anticancer activity through autophagy-mediated inhibition of cell proliferation. EAEG induced a strong cytostatic effect towards HeLa cells and, to a lesser extent, HepG2 and MCF-7 cells. This cytostatic effect of EAEG was not a consequence of increased apoptosis, as neither DNA fragmentation nor change in protein expression level for a number of apoptosis-related genes including Bid, Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3 was observed after EAEG treatment, and the apoptosis inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK did not inhibit the EAEG-elicited cytostatic effect. On the other hand, EAEG induced autophagy in a dose-dependent fashion, as shown by increased GFP puncta formation, enhanced conversion of the microtubule-associated protein light chain LC3-I to LC3-II, and downregulation of the p62 protein. Treating the HeLa cells with EAEG together with Chloroquine (CQ) further accelerated LC3 conversion and p62 clearance, indicating that EAEG induced complete autophagy flux. Importantly, the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3MA) significantly abrogated the cytostatic effect of EAEG, strongly suggesting that EAEG inhibited HeLa cell proliferation through the induction of autophagy rather than apoptosis. Our results provided a novel and interesting mechanistic insight into the anticancer action of EAEG, supporting the traditional use of this plant for the treatment of the cancer.

Can the tea tree oil (Australian native plant: Melaleuca alternifolia Cheel) be an alternative treatment for human demodicosis on skin?

Australian tea tree oil (TTO) and its extract terpinen-4-ol (T4O) are found to be effective in moderating demodex-related diseases. Their possible effects are lowering the mite counts, relieving the demodex-related symptoms and modulating the immune system especially the inflammatory response. This review summarizes the topical treatments of TTO and T4O in human demodicosis, their possible mechanism of actions, side-effects and potential resistance in treating this condition. Although current treatments other than TTO and T4O are relatively effective in controlling the demodex mite population and the related symptoms, more research on the efficacy and drug delivery technology is needed in order to assess its potential as an alternative treatment with minimal side-effect profile, low toxicity and low risk of demodex resistance.

Study on Pre-processing Methods of Clinical Data from TCM Individual Treatment of Insomnia Based on Syndrome Differentiation / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To explore suitable pre-processing methods for the TCM clinical data based on prospective study on insomnia treated by syndrome differentiation. Methods Based on the TCM shared clinical and research information platform and by using man-machine combination method, data cleaning rules, physician review, rule revision, procedural import and batch processing were used to conduct pre-processing for data in prospective study on insomniac treated by syndrome differentiation of 8 TCM doctors. Results Totally 27534 rules for symptoms data of individual treatment of insomnia were made and 1036 rules for diagnostic data, 842 rules for therapeutic ways, 540 rules for formula data, 3785 rules for data of Chinese materia medica. Conclusion Different kinds of terminology concepts were normalized at different levels, at the same time, characteristics of individualized treatment based on syndrome differentiation were reserved. Appropriate pre-processing methods can be used in the reaserch of individualization and standardization of TCM syndrome differentiation clinical data and can provide support for data mining.

Early Application of Auxiliary Partial Orthotopic Liver Transplantation in Murine Model of Wilson Disease.

BACKGROUND: Liver transplantation (LT) is the only option of treatment for Wilson disease (WD) when chelation therapy fails, but it is limited due to the shortage of donor. Auxiliary partial orthotopic LT (APOLT) has been performed successfully in end-stage WD patients, which expands the donor pool. METHODS: Atp7bmice were used as experimental model of WD. Eight- and 20-week-old mice were used as different timepoints to perform APOLT. Serum copper, tissue copper, serum ceruloplasmin (CP), and liver histological examination were observed after operation. RESULTS: Hepatic and serum copper levels in Atp7b mice decreased after APOLT, and copper metabolism disorder of WD mice was relieved at both early and late stages. The progression of pathology in the native liver was delayed only when transplantation was performed at an early stage. CONCLUSIONS: Auxiliary partial orthotopic LT can significantly improve copper metabolism disorder in the Atp7b mice, and early transplantation may prevent the disease progression.

Effect of Trifolium pratense extract on methionine-choline-deficient diet-induced steatohepatitis in C57BL/6 mice.

AIM: The potential of Trifolium pratense (red clover) extract in the prevention of lipid disorder has attracted increasing attention in recent years. In this study, the aim was to determine whether and how red clover extract affected the development of murine diet-induced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. METHODS: Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis was induced in C57BL/6 mice by feeding mice with a methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used for histological analyses. Real-time PCR was used to analyze the mRNA expression levels. RESULTS: Hepatic steatosis and necroinflammation was observed in MCD diet-fed mice, and this diet-induced steatosis was significantly attenuated, whereas liver inflammation was not significantly attenuated, by red clover extract treatment. Consistent with the results of H&E staining, the MCD diet-induced increase of liver triglycerides and cholesterol levels were significantly reduced by red clover extract treatment. However, with the improvement in hepatic steatosis, mRNA levels of acetyl CoA oxidase, carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1, and liver fatty acid-binding protein, three genes regulated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) α, were unaffected. CONCLUSION: Red clover extract alleviated MCD diet-induced hepatic steatosis, but did not ameliorate liver inflammation in C57BL/6 mice, and the improvement in hepatic steatosis was not through activating PPARα.

Effect of Trifolium pratense extract on methionine-choline-deficient diet-induced steatohepatitis in C57BL/6 mice / 中国天然药物

AIM@#The potential of Trifolium pratense (red clover) extract in the prevention of lipid disorder has attracted increasing attention in recent years. In this study, the aim was to determine whether and how red clover extract affected the development of murine diet-induced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.@*METHODS@#Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis was induced in C57BL/6 mice by feeding mice with a methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used for histological analyses. Real-time PCR was used to analyze the mRNA expression levels.@*RESULTS@#Hepatic steatosis and necroinflammation was observed in MCD diet-fed mice, and this diet-induced steatosis was significantly attenuated, whereas liver inflammation was not significantly attenuated, by red clover extract treatment. Consistent with the results of H&E staining, the MCD diet-induced increase of liver triglycerides and cholesterol levels were significantly reduced by red clover extract treatment. However, with the improvement in hepatic steatosis, mRNA levels of acetyl CoA oxidase, carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1, and liver fatty acid-binding protein, three genes regulated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) α, were unaffected.@*CONCLUSION@#Red clover extract alleviated MCD diet-induced hepatic steatosis, but did not ameliorate liver inflammation in C57BL/6 mice, and the improvement in hepatic steatosis was not through activating PPARα.

Cardioprotection by Guanxin II in rats with acute myocardial infarction is related to its three compounds.

AIM: We tested the hypothesis that cardioprotection afforded by traditional Chinese Guanxin II (GXII) formula is related to absorbed bioactive compounds (ABCs). METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) were induced by coronary occlusion. ABCs including ferulic acid (F), hydroxyl safflor yellow A (A), tanshinol (T), protocatechualdehyde (P) and paeoniflorin (E) were measured in blood after oral GXII. The effects of GXII and FATPE, alone and in combination, and of some components of FATPE on infarct size, myocardial apoptosis and caspase-3 activity were determined. Myocardial blood flow (MBF) in AMI rat was detected 2h after oral GXII and FAT. RESULTS: FATPE was found in rat blood. FAT was similar to FATPE and GXII in decreasing infarct size, myocardial apoptosis and caspase-3 activity of AMI. Both FAT and GXII were similar in increasing of MBF. CONCLUSION: GXII and FAT protect the heart from ischemic injury by increasing MBF, and decrease infarct size by inhibiting myocardial apoptosis and caspase-3 activity. These findings provide a potential cardioprotective cocktail.