Macrod1 suppresses diabetic cardiomyopathy via regulating PARP1-NAD+-SIRT3 pathway.

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), one of the most serious long-term consequences of diabetes, is closely associated with oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in the heart. MACRO domain containing 1 (Macrod1) is an ADP-ribosylhydrolase 1 that is highly enriched in mitochondria, participating in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we investigated the role of Macrod1 in DCM. A mice model was established by feeding a high-fat diet (HFD) and intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). We showed that Macrod1 expression levels were significantly downregulated in cardiac tissue of DCM mice. Reduced expression of Macrod1 was also observed in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) treated with palmitic acid (PA, 400 µM) in vitro. Knockout of Macrod1 in DCM mice not only worsened glycemic control, but also aggravated cardiac remodeling, mitochondrial dysfunction, NAD+ consumption and oxidative stress, whereas cardiac-specific overexpression of Macrod1 partially reversed these pathological processes. In PA-treated NRCMs, overexpression of Macrod1 significantly inhibited PARP1 expression and restored NAD+ levels, activating SIRT3 to resist oxidative stress. Supplementation with the NAD+ precursor Niacin (50 µM) alleviated oxidative stress in PA-stimulated cardiomyocytes. We revealed that Macrod1 reduced NAD+ consumption by inhibiting PARP1 expression, thereby activating SIRT3 and anti-oxidative stress signaling. This study identifies Macrod1 as a novel target for DCM treatment. Targeting the PARP1-NAD+-SIRT3 axis may open a novel avenue to development of new intervention strategies in DCM. Schematic illustration of macrod1 ameliorating diabetic cardiomyopathy oxidative stress via PARP1-NAD+-SIRT3 axis.

Effects of slope aspect on soil enzyme activity and microbial nutrient limitation in subalpine region of wes-tern Sichuan, China.

Exploring the resource limitation of soil microbial metabolism is essential to understand ecosystem functions and processes. However, the spatially divergent patterns and drivers of soil microbial nutrient limitation cha-racteristics in montane ecosystems at small scales, especially at the slope aspect scale, are still unclear. In this study, we measured soil enzyme activities involved in carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) cycle and quantified the microbial nutrient limitations by enzyme stoichiometry in two representative mountain sites in subalpine region of western Sichuan, including the sunny and shady slopes with different vegetation types (shrubland and forest, respectively) in Miyaluo of Lixian County, and with the same vegetation type (shrubland) in Yakexia of Heishui County. The results showed that soil enzyme activities and their stoichiometric ratios were significantly different between slope aspects in Miyaluo, while the differences were not significant in Yakexia. The stoichiometry ratio of C-, N- and P-acquiring enzymes on the sunny slope of Miyaluo was 1:0.96:0.92, approaching the 1:1:1 ratio at the global scale, but deviated from 1:1:1 on the shady slope of Miyaluo (1:1.39:0.75) and the different slopes of Yakexia (1:1.09:1.35). There was no significant difference in vector length between slope aspects at both sites, indicating no significant effect of slope aspect on the microbial C limitation. The vector angle was significantly higher on the sunny slope (43.6°) than that on the shady slope (28.7°) in Miyaluo, suggesting that the microorganisms were mainly N-limited. Partial least squares path model showed that the vector angle was mainly directly influenced by the soil nutrient ratios. The vector angle ranged from 50.3° to 51.4°, and did not differ between slope aspects in Yakexia. Therefore, differences in vegetation types between slope aspects drove variations in soil enzyme activity and microbial nutrient limitation through soil properties. It would provide a scientific basis for predicting the spatial pattern of soil enzyme activity and microbial nutrient limitation.

Stigma and Efficacy of Zhizhu Kuanzhong Capsules Versus Doxepin in the Treatment of Refractory Functional Dyspepsia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background/Aims: Stigma related with antidepressants is prevalent in patients with functional dyspepsia. It affects medication compliance and efficacy. Herbal medicine acquired a deep-rooted cultural identity in relieving dyspeptic symptoms in Asians. The research was designed to compare the effectiveness of Zhizhu Kuanzhong capsules (ZZKZ) versus doxepin hydrochloride (doxepin) on alleviating stigma and medication nonadherence among patients with refractory FD (rFD). Methods: Patients with rFD from February 2021 to February 2022 were randomly allocated to receive either doxepin (n = 56) or ZZKZ (n = 57) combined with omeprazole for 4 weeks. Medication possession ratio (MPR), the disease- and medication-associated stigma were analyzed. The scales were utilized to assess dyspeptic symptoms (Leeds Dyspepsia Questionnaire) and psychological conditions (Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire and Patient Health Questionnaire). Results: The MPR values for ZZKZ were significantly higher than those for doxepin (P < 0.001). The stigma scores decreased in ZZKZ group while increased in doxepin group compared to baseline after treatment. The proportion of patients showing ZZKZ-associated stigma was significantly lower than doxepin-associated stigma (P < 0.001). The MPR values were negatively correlated with post-treatment stigma scores in both groups (P < 0.001). Dyspeptic symptoms and psychological condition were improved in both groups after treatment, with no significant difference on post-treatment Leeds Dyspepsia Questionnaire, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire, or Patient Health Questionnaire scores between 2 groups. Conclusion: ZZKZ is superior to doxepin in alleviating stigma and medication non-adherence, with comparable efficacy in improving dyspeptic symptoms and psychological condition of patients with rFD.

Shengxian decoction protects against chronic heart failure in a rat model via energy regulation mechanisms.

BACKGROUND: Chronic heart failure (CHF) is actually a disease caused by an imbalanced energy metabolism between myocardial energy demand and supply, ultimately resulting in abnormal myocardial cell structure and function. Energy metabolism imbalance plays an important role in the pathological process of chronic heart failure (CHF). Improving myocardial energy metabolism is a new strategy for the treatment of CHF. Shengxian decoction (SXT), a well-known traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, has good therapeutic effects on the cardiovascular system. However, the effects of SXT on the energy metabolism of CHF is unclear. In this study, we probed the regulating effects of SXT on energy metabolism in CHF rats using various research methods. METHODS: High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis was used to perform quality control of SXT preparations. Then, SD rats were randomly assigned into 6 groups: sham, model, positive control (trimetazidine) and high-, middle-, and low-dose SXT groups. Specific reagent kits were used to detect the expression levels of ALT and AST in rats' serum. Echocardiography was used to evaluate cardiac function. H&E, Masson and TUNEL staining were performed to examine myocardial structure and myocardial apoptosis. Colorimetry was used to determine myocardial ATP levels in experimental rats. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of myocardial mitochondria. ELISA was used to estimate CK, cTnI, and NT-proBNP levels, and LA、FFA、MDA、SOD levels. Finally, Western blotting was used to examine the protein expression of CPT-1, GLUT4, AMPK, p-AMPK, PGC-1α, NRF1, mtTFA and ATP5D in the myocardium. RESULTS: HPLC showed that our SXT preparation method was feasible. The results of ALT and AST tests indicate that SXT has no side effect on the liver function of rats. Treatment with SXT improved cardiac function and ventricular remodelling and inhibited cardiomyocyte apoptosis and oxidative stress levels induced by CHF. Moreover, CHF caused decrease ATP synthesis, which was accompanied by a reduction in ATP 5D protein levels, damage to mitochondrial structure, abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism, and changes in the expression of PGC-1α related signal pathway proteins, all of which were significantly alleviated by treatment with SXT. CONCLUSION: SXT reverses CHF-induced cardiac dysfunction and maintains the integrity of myocardial structure by regulating energy metabolism. The beneficial effect of SXT on energy metabolism may be related to regulating the expression of the PGC-1α signalling pathway.

The traditional herb Polygonum hydropiper from China: a comprehensive review on phytochemistry, pharmacological activities and applications.

CONTEXT: Polygonum hydropiper L. (Polygonaceae) (PH) is a traditional Chinese traditional medicine with a pungent flavor and mild drug properties. PH is mainly distributed in the channel tropism in the stomach and large intestine. PH has multiple uses and can be used to treat a variety of diseases for a long time. OBJECTIVE: This review summarizes the phytochemical and pharmacological activities, and applications of PH from 1980 to 2022. We also provide suggestions for promoting further research and developing additional applications of PH. METHODS: The data and information on PH from 1980 to 2022 reviewed in this article were obtained from scientific databases, including Science Direct, PubMed, Science Citation Index, SciFinder Scholar (SciFinder), Springer, American Chemical Society (ACS) Publications, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), etc. Some information was obtained from classic literature on traditional Chinese medicines. The search terms were Polygonum hydropiper, phytochemistry compositions of Polygonum hydropiper, pharmacological activities of Polygonum hydropiper, and applications of Polygonum hydropiper. RESULTS: The comprehensive analysis of the literature resulted in 324 compounds being isolated, identified, and reported from PH. Regarding traditional uses, the majority of phytochemical and pharmacological studies have indicated the diverse bioactivities of PH extracts, flavonoids, and volatile oil elements, including antibacterial, antifungal, insecticidal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory. CONCLUSIONS: PH has a long history of diversified medicinal uses, some of which have been verified in modern pharmacological studies. Further detailed studies are required to establish scientific and reasonable quality evaluation standards and action mechanisms of active constituents from PH.

A Study Against Colon Cancer Mechanism of Xanthium Sibiricum Herba Based on Computer Simulation and Bioinformatics.

INTRODUCTION: Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, accounting for nearly one in six deaths in 2020. As a folk medicine, Xanthium sibiricum Herba (XSH) has been used many times in clinical practice for the treatment of various diseases. With the increasing number of cancer patients, there is a clinical need to find effective anti-cancer drugs. AIM: This study aims to explores the bioactivity and the anti-cancer mechanism of XSH. METHODS: In this study, bioinformatics, network pharmacology, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation techniques, and apoptosis assay were used to explore the bioactivity and the anti-cancer mechanism of XSH. RESULTS: Finally, seven active ingredients in XSH after the screening were obtained, the two most active compounds were ß-sitosterol and aloe-emodin, and good anti-cancer activity of XSH was predicted. DISCUSSION: Four core targets were obtained from the PPI network map, namely Caspase-3 (CASP3), Transcription factor AP-1 (JUN), Myc proto-oncogene protein (MYC), and cellular tumor antigen p53 (TP53). GO and KEGG analyses showed that the mechanism of XSH anti-cancer is mainly related to the apoptosis process, and the main signaling pathways are enriched in the p53 signaling pathway, Apoptosis, and MAPK signaling. The molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation results showed that CASP3, JUN, MYC, and TP53 had a high affinity with ß-sitosterol and aloe-emodin. Bioinformatics analyses demonstrated the importance of core targets. Apoptosis assay showed that XSH could significantly promote the apoptosis of cancer cells, and inhibit their proliferation and migration, especially colon cancer cells. CONCLUSION: This study uncovered the main active components, bioactivities, and potential targets of XSH, and further revealed the multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway mechanism of XSH for cancer treatment and promoting apoptosis.

Extraction, purification, structural characteristics, biological activities, and application of the polysaccharides from Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. (lotus): A review.

Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. (lotus) is a widely distributed plant with a long history of cultivation and consumption. Almost all parts of the lotus can be used as foodstuff and nourishment, or as an herb. It is noteworthy that the polysaccharides obtained from lotus exhibit surprisingly and satisfying biological activities, which explains the various benefits of lotus to human health, including anti-diabetes, anti-osteoporosis, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, etc. Here, we systematically review the recent major studies on extraction and purification methods of polysaccharides from different parts (rhizome, seed, leaf, plumule, receptacle and stamen) of lotus, as well as the characterization of their chemical structure, biological activity and structure-activity relationship, and the applications of lotus polysaccharides in different fields. This article will give an updated and deeper understanding of lotus polysaccharides and provide theoretical basis for their further research and application in human health and manufacture development.

Probiotics with anti-type 2 diabetes mellitus properties: targets of polysaccharides from traditional Chinese medicine.

Traditional Chinese medicine polysaccharides is a biologically active ingredient that is not easy to be digested. It is fermented by intestinal microflora to promote qualitative and selective changes in the composition of the intestinal microbiome, which often result in beneficial effects on the health of the host. People call it "prebiotics". In this review, we systematically summarized the anti-diabetic effect of traditional Chinese medicine polysaccharides. These polysaccharides regulate the metabolism of sugar and lipids by inter-influence with the intestinal microflora, and maintain human health, while improving type 2 diabetes-like symptoms such as high blood glucose, and abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism.

[Study on drug properties of Arisaematis Rhizoma and Arisaema Cum Bile based on substance and energy metabolism in normal and cold/heat syndrome model rats].

This paper clarified the scientific connotation of the changes in cold and heat properties of Arisaematis Rhizoma and Arisaema Cum Bile through investigating the changes of substance and energy metabolism after drug intervention in the rats with normal and cold/heat syndrome, so as to improve the method of evaluating the drug properties of Chinese medicine. After one week of adaptive feeding, healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into three parts: normal rats, heat syndrome rat models, and cold syndrome rat models. Through ice water bath and oral euthyrox(120 µg·kg~(-1)), the models of cold syndrome and heat syndrome were induced, respectively. The models were made at 9:00 am. and administrated by gavage at 3:00 pm. every day. All administration groups were administrated with Arisaematis Rhizoma and Arisaema Cum Bile decoction, respectively, and the blank group was given the same dose of normal saline. After continuous administration for 15 d, the rats were anesthetized by chloral hydrate, blood was taken from abdominal aorta, and the hearts and livers were removed and stored at-80 ℃. The changes in the body weight and anal temperature of rats during administration were detected, and the liver coefficient of rats was detected after removing the liver. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was adopted to detect the expression level of the indexes related to substance and energy metabolism in liver and heart of rat, and Western blot was used to detect the expression of key proteins in AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway for further verification. The results showed that Arisaematis Rhizoma enhanced the expression level of enzymes related to substance and energy metabolism in the normal and cold and heat syndrome rat models, and increased anal temperature, which exhibited warm(hot) drug property. Arisaema Cum Bile inhibited the level of substance and energy metabolism in rats, and reduced anal temperature, which showed cold(cool) drug property. Chinese Pharmacopoeia has recorded "Arisaematis Rhizoma has warm property and Arisaema Cum Bile has cool property", which is consistent with the phenomenon in this study. Therefore, it is feasible to evaluate the drug properties of Chinese medicine based on the substance and energy metabolism of normal and cold/heat syndrome model rats, which completes the method of evaluating drug properties of Chinese medicine.

A Randomized, Open-Label, Multicenter, Phase 3 Study of High-Dose Vitamin C Plus FOLFOX ± Bevacizumab versus FOLFOX ± Bevacizumab in Unresectable Untreated Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (VITALITY Study).

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy and safety of high-dose vitamin C plus FOLFOX ± bevacizumab versus FOLFOX ± bevacizumab as first-line treatment in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 2017 and 2019, histologically confirmed patients with mCRC (n = 442) with normal glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase status and no prior treatment for metastatic disease were randomized (1:1) into a control (FOLFOX ± bevacizumab) and an experimental [high-dose vitamin C (1.5 g/kg/d, intravenously for 3 hours from D1 to D3) plus FOLFOX ± bevacizumab] group. Randomization was based on the primary tumor location and bevacizumab prescription. RESULTS: The progression-free survival (PFS) of the experimental group was not superior to the control group [median PFS, 8.6 vs. 8.3 months; HR, 0.86; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.70-1.05; P = 0.1]. The objective response rate (ORR) and overall survival (OS) of the experimental and control groups were similar (ORR, 44.3% vs. 42.1%; P = 0.9; median OS, 20.7 vs. 19.7 months; P = 0.7). Grade 3 or higher treatment-related adverse events occurred in 33.5% and 30.3% of patients in the experimental and control groups, respectively. In prespecified subgroup analyses, patients with RAS mutation had significantly longer PFS (median PFS, 9.2 vs. 7.8 months; HR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.50-0.91; P = 0.01) with vitamin C added to chemotherapy than with chemotherapy only. CONCLUSIONS: High-dose vitamin C plus chemotherapy failed to show superior PFS compared with chemotherapy in patients with mCRC as first-line treatment but may be beneficial in patients with mCRC harboring RAS mutation.

[Metabolomic profiling reveals blood-tonifying effect of Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata based on theory of activating spleen and generating blood].

Based on the theory of activating spleen and generating blood, this study explored the effect of Rehmanniae Radix Prae-parata on the spleen metabolome of the rat model with blood deficiency syndrome.The rat model of blood deficiency syndrome was established by combining with cyclophosphamide(CTX) and N-acetyl-phenylhydrazine(APH), and the metabolomes of the spleen samples were analyzed with ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS).Principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) were carried out for the metabolite profiles of spleen samples.The MEV heatmap and metabolic network were established based on the potential biomarkers.Finally, the blood routine indexes were combined with the metabolomic profile to reveal the mechanism of Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata in activating spleen and generating blood.The treatment with CTX and APH decreased the blood routine indexes such as white blood cell count(WBC), red blood cell count(RBC), platelet(PLT), and hematocrit(HCT), indicating that the rat model of blood deficiency syndrome was successfully established.The administration of Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata significantly improved the blood routine indexes, which suggested that Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata played a role in replenishing blood.In addition, the metabolomics analysis identified 41 potential biomarkers.The PCA and MEV heatmap also showed significant improvement effect of Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata on the spleen metabolic profile.These potential biomarkers were mainly involved in tricarboxylic acid cycle, niacin and nicotinamide metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, tyrosine metabolism, taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, and sphingolipid metabolism.Therefore, we hypothesize that Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata may regulate energy metabolism, peripheral blood production, and oxidative injury of hemocytes to tonify blood.

Cattle Bile Arisaema Aqueous Extracts Protect Against Febrile Seizures in Rats Through Regulating Neurotransmitters and Suppressing Neuroinflammation.

Cattle bile Arisaema (CBA) is a traditional medicine used for the treatment of febrile seizures (FS) for thousands of years in China. However, its application is greatly limited due to cost reasons, and pig bile Arisaema (PBA) is the main commercial product instead. Additionally, the underlying mechanism of CBA for the treatment of FS still remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the anti-convulsant effect and potential mechanism of the CBA aqueous extract for the first time through a hot-water bath-induced FS rat model. Our results showed that pre-treatment with CBA dramatically lowered the incidence rate and generation times and prolonged the latency of FS. In addition, CBA effectively ameliorated neuronal damage and regulated neurotransmitter disorder induced by FS in the rat hippocampus. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, western blotting, immunohistochemical, and qRT-PCR results exhibited that CBA suppressed the expression of GFAP, TLR4, NF-κB, HMGB1, NLRP3, TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 and consequently inhibited the neuroinflammation induced by FS. Interestingly, although the CBA and PBA aqueous extracts possessed the same trend on the changes caused by FS, the improvement of FS by CBA is markedly better than that by PBA. These findings indicate that CBA exerts a protective effect on febrile seizures through regulating neurotransmitter disorder and suppressing neuroinflammation.

Antipharyngitis Effects of Syringa oblata L. Ethanolic Extract in Acute Pharyngitis Rat Model and Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Ir-Idoids in LPS-Induced RAW 264.7 Cells.

Acute pharyngitis is an inflammation of the pharyngeal mucous membrane and submucous lymphoid tissues. Unsatisfactory treatment and repeated occurrences might cause chronic pharyngitis and other complications. Syringa oblata L. (S. oblata) is a traditional Chinese medicine that exhibited a significant therapeutic effect on various inflammatory diseases. Its commercial drug Yan Li Xiao (YLX) capsule is used as a cure for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, such as bacillary dysentery, tonsillitis, bronchitis, and acute gastroenteritis. However, studies about S. oblata relieving acute pharyngitis are rare. In this study, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to analyze the chemical profile of S. oblata, and the bioactive phytoconstituents were isolated and identified by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry. An ammonia-induced acute pharyngitis rat model was established to estimate the protective effect of S. oblata in vivo for the first time. The severity of pharyngitis was observed by appearance index and HE staining. The cytokines expression was performed by ELISA. Crucial proteins expression associated with TLR4/NF-κB/MAPK and NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathways were analyzed by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory effect of isolated compounds was evaluated by suppressing lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced NO generation and regulating the cytokines levels in RAW 264.7 cells. The results showed that S. oblata exhibited a protective effect in the ammonia-induced acute pharyngitis rat model, and the compounds exert potential anti-inflammatory properties against LPS-activated RAW 254.7 cells.

Effect of Danqi Buxin Decoction on Chronic Function Indexes and Life Quality in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure of Yang Deficiency Type.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose was to explore the clinical effect of Danqi Buxin decoction on chronic heart failure (CHF) with yang deficiency and its effect on cardiac function and life quality of patients. METHODS: 106 CHF patients with yang deficiency treated in Jinan Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from February 2019 to February 2020 were selected as the research objects and divided into the treatment group and reference group according to the odd and even admission numbers, with 53 cases in each group. The reference group was treated with routine antiheart failure drugs, while the treatment group was additionally treated with Danqi Buxin decoction to compare the clinical effect and cardiac function changes between the two groups. RESULTS: The clinical effective rate in the treatment group was significantly higher than that in the reference group (P < 0.05). The TCM symptom scores at T1, T2, and T3 in the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the reference group (P < 0.05). After treatment, the LVEDV levels in both groups were significantly higher than those before treatment, while the BNP levels were significantly lower than those before treatment (P < 0.001). The LVEDV level in the treatment group after treatment was higher than that in the reference group, while the BNP level in the treatment group was significantly lower than that in the reference group (P < 0.001). The life quality scores in the treatment group after treatment were significantly higher than those in the reference group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Danqi Buxin decoction on the basis of conventional drugs can significantly improve the cardiac function and life quality of CHF patients with yang deficiency type. Its further research is helpful to establish a good treatment plan for CHF patients.

[Study on mechanism of Phytolaccae Radix and its split components based on network pharmacology].

This paper aimed to explore the mechanism of the split components of Phytolaccae Radix by means of network pharmaco-logy. Based on the theoretical hypothesis of the nature and taste of traditional Chinese medicine, the chemical components of the separated components of Phytolaccae Radix were selected by using Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database(TCMSP) and Traditional Chinese Medicines IntegratedDatabase(TCMID) databases in combination with related literatures. Relevant target analysis was carried out based on PubChem and SwissTargetPrediction databases. Targets corresponding to disease were excavated based on GeneCards for each split component, corresponding potential targets were obtained through mapping the target set of target compounds to disease targets. GO biological process analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were performed on the mapped targets with the help of DAVID database. Based on Cytoscape software and the corresponding efficacy, the network diagram of "medicinal material-split components-compound-target-pathway" was constructed to explore the mechanism of different efficacy of the separated components of Cytoscape. And the target purgation and diuretic mapping was used as the target of the traditional efficacy of smoothening secretion for the first time. The study explored esculentoside component, fatty oil component and phenolic acid component, a total of 30 target compounds and 301 corresponding targets, involving 44 potential targets for "anti-inflammatory", 50 potential targets for "immunoregulation", 52 potential targets for "smoothening secretion", 28 potential targets for "antibacterial activity", 28 potential targets for "antiviral effect", and 29 potential targets for "antitumor effect". Topological analysis revealed 14 key gene targets such as MAPK8, MAPK14, EGFR and PTGS2. A total of 684 GO entries and 235 KEGG pathways were obtained through bioinformatics enrichment analysis, mainly involving TNF signaling pathway, NF-kappaB signaling pathway and MAPK signaling pathway. This study revealed the multi-component, multi-target, and multi-channel action mechanism of the split components of Phytolaccae Radix, which provided certain basis for the next step to clarify the split components of Phytolaccae Radix through the method of system biology, and injected new content and significance into the study of properties and flavors theory.

[Optimization of polysaccharide extraction from Hippocampus by deep neural network and Box-Behnken design-response surface methodology].

In this paper, the extraction rate of crude polysaccharides and the yield of polysaccharides from Hippocampus served as test indicators. The comprehensive evaluation indicators were assigned by the R language combined with the entropy weight method. The Box-Behnken design-response surface methodology(BBD-RSM) and the deep neural network(DNN) were employed to screen the optimal parameters for the polysaccharide extraction from Hippocampus. These two modeling methods were compared and verified experimentally for the process optimization. This study provides a reference for the industrialization of effective component extraction from Chinese medicinals and achieves the effective combination of modern technology and traditional Chinese medicine.

Optimization of polysaccharide extraction from Hippocampus by deep neural network and Box-Behnken design-response surface methodology / 中国中药杂志

In this paper, the extraction rate of crude polysaccharides and the yield of polysaccharides from Hippocampus served as test indicators. The comprehensive evaluation indicators were assigned by the R language combined with the entropy weight method. The Box-Behnken design-response surface methodology(BBD-RSM) and the deep neural network(DNN) were employed to screen the optimal parameters for the polysaccharide extraction from Hippocampus. These two modeling methods were compared and verified experimentally for the process optimization. This study provides a reference for the industrialization of effective component extraction from Chinese medicinals and achieves the effective combination of modern technology and traditional Chinese medicine.

Study on mechanism of Phytolaccae Radix and its split components based on network pharmacology / 中国中药杂志

This paper aimed to explore the mechanism of the split components of Phytolaccae Radix by means of network pharmaco-logy. Based on the theoretical hypothesis of the nature and taste of traditional Chinese medicine, the chemical components of the separated components of Phytolaccae Radix were selected by using Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database(TCMSP) and Traditional Chinese Medicines IntegratedDatabase(TCMID) databases in combination with related literatures. Relevant target analysis was carried out based on PubChem and SwissTargetPrediction databases. Targets corresponding to disease were excavated based on GeneCards for each split component, corresponding potential targets were obtained through mapping the target set of target compounds to disease targets. GO biological process analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were performed on the mapped targets with the help of DAVID database. Based on Cytoscape software and the corresponding efficacy, the network diagram of "medicinal material-split components-compound-target-pathway" was constructed to explore the mechanism of different efficacy of the separated components of Cytoscape. And the target purgation and diuretic mapping was used as the target of the traditional efficacy of smoothening secretion for the first time. The study explored esculentoside component, fatty oil component and phenolic acid component, a total of 30 target compounds and 301 corresponding targets, involving 44 potential targets for "anti-inflammatory", 50 potential targets for "immunoregulation", 52 potential targets for "smoothening secretion", 28 potential targets for "antibacterial activity", 28 potential targets for "antiviral effect", and 29 potential targets for "antitumor effect". Topological analysis revealed 14 key gene targets such as MAPK8, MAPK14, EGFR and PTGS2. A total of 684 GO entries and 235 KEGG pathways were obtained through bioinformatics enrichment analysis, mainly involving TNF signaling pathway, NF-kappaB signaling pathway and MAPK signaling pathway. This study revealed the multi-component, multi-target, and multi-channel action mechanism of the split components of Phytolaccae Radix, which provided certain basis for the next step to clarify the split components of Phytolaccae Radix through the method of system biology, and injected new content and significance into the study of properties and flavors theory.

Modern literature study of auricular point therapy for primary insomnia / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: By sorting and analyzing pertinent modern studies targeting auricular point therapy treating primary insomnia (PI), to summarize the point selection rules and clinical efficacy of using auricular points alone or combining it with other therapies in treating PI. Methods: A search on China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Academic Journal Full-text Database (Wanfang), Chongqing VIP Database (CQVIP), PubMed, Springer and Ovid were conducted from January 1, 1998 till January 31, 2020. Point selection, diagnostic criteria and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) in the eligible studies were analyzed and summarized. Results: The difference in PSQI before and after using auricular point therapy alone was more significant than that of using Chinese medication alone (P<0.05), but less significant than that of combining auricular point therapy and acupuncture-moxibustion and Chinese therapeutic massage (tuina) (P<0.05). In the included studies, Shenmen (TF4) was the most commonly used (370 times), followed by Heart (CO15), which was 344 times, and Subcortex (AT4), which was 325 times. In terms of auricular points distribution, points in the auricular concha were the most commonly used (1500 times), followed by those in the antitragus (474 times) and triangular fossa (387 times). Correlation analysis showed that Shenmen (TF4) and Liver (CO12), Sympathetic (AH6a) and Heart (CO15) were used together more often, followed by Shenmen (TF4), Liver (CO12), Spleen (CO13), Kidney (CO10) and Subcortex (AT4), and then Shenmen (TF4), Liver (CO12), Sympathetic (AH6a), Subcortex (AT4) and Heart (CO15). Cluster analysis showed that the auricular points used for PI can be divided into 6 clusters in 2 major groups. One group was Heart (CO15), Subcortex (AT4), Shenmen (TF4), Sympathetic (AH6a), Spleen (CO13), Kidney (CO10), Liver (CO12) and Endocrine (CO18); the other was Occiput (AT3), Stomach (CO4), Pancrease-gallbladder (CO11), Chuiqian (LO4), Small Intestine (CO6), Central Rim (AT2,3,4i) and Sanjiao (CO17). In terms of patterns in traditional Chinese medicine, the pattern of dual deficiency of heart and spleen accounted for the largest proportion in the studies of using auricular points alone or combining it with other treatments to treatment PI, and then it was the pattern of liver depression transforming into fire. Conclusion: In treatment of PI with auricular points alone or combo therapy involving auricular points, Shenmen (TF4) was commonly used, and the commonly used point group consisted of Shenmen (TF4), Liver (CO12), Sympathetic (AH6a) and Heart (CO15). Auricular point therapy can be taken as a complementary therapy in treating PI.

Association Between Vitamin D and Hyperuricemia Among Adults in the United States.

Background: Serum uric acid can act as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and as antioxidant defense. Vitamin D deficiency can activate the parathyroid to induce the release of parathyroid hormone, which was thought to increase serum uric acid level, and low vitamin D status may also be associated with risk of CVD. No known studies have explored the association between serum 25(OH) D, vitamin D intake, and HU for the American population. Methods: We extracted 15,723 US adults aged 20-85 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in 2007-2014. All dietary intakes were evaluated through 24-h dietary recalls. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the associations after adjustment for confounders. Results: Compared to the lowest quintile (Q1), for males, adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of HU in Q2 to Q4 of serum 25(OH) D levels were 0.78 (95% CI, 0.65-0.93), 0.97 (0.81-1.16), and 0.72 (0.60-0.88); ORs in Q2-Q5 of total vitamin D intake were 0.83 (0.69-0.98), 0.69 (0.58-0.83), 0.66 (0.55-0.79), and 0.59 (0.48-0.71), respectively. In females, OR was 0.80 (0.66-0.97) of serum 25(OH) D for Q3, and ORs in Q5 of total vitamin D intake were 0.80 (0.65-0.98). Conclusions: Our findings indicated that the serum 25(OH) D intakes of dietary vitamin D, supplemental vitamin D, and total vitamin D were inversely associated with HU in males. In females, a lower risk of HU with higher serum 25(OH) D, dietary vitamin D, and total vitamin D intake was found, but with no association between supplemental vitamin D intake and the risk of HU.