Ten cyclopentanoid monoterpenes from the whole plant of Rehmannia piasezkii maxim.

Ten new cyclopentanoid monoterpenes (1-10) were isolated from the whole plant of Rehmannia piasezkii. The structures of these compounds were elucidated based on spectroscopic data analysis. In in-vitro assays, compounds 3, 7, and 9 exhibited weak hepatoprotective activities against APAP-induced HepG2 cell damage. Compound 9 exhibited protective effect on hapassocin carbon tetrachloride model.

Iodine Intakes of <150 µg/day or >550 µg/day are Not Recommended during Pregnancy: A Balance Study.

BACKGROUND: Adequate iodine intake during pregnancy is critical for maintaining maternal and fetal thyroid function and development. There are only limited data from iodine-balance studies to inform iodine requirements during pregnancy. OBJECTIVES: This is an iodine-balance study conducted to explore the associations among iodine intake, excretion, and retention to provide information regarding iodine requirements during pregnancy. METHODS: A 7-d iodine-balance experiment enrolled 93 healthy pregnant Chinese women from Hebei, Tanjin, and Shandong. Duplicates of all foods and beverages consumed were systematically collected and measured for iodine content. Iodine excretion was measured by collecting 24-h urine and feces samples. Simple linear regression models were used to assess relationships between total iodine intake and iodine retention, whereas mixed effect models were used to assess the relationship between daily iodine intake and iodine retention. RESULTS: The mean ± SD age of participating pregnant women was 29 ± 2 y at a median 22 (IQR: 13-30) wk of gestation. The mean 7-d iodine retention was 43.0 ± 1060 µg/7 d. A negative iodine balance was present in 56% of women whereas 44% had a positive balance. Pregnant women with iodine intakes <150 µg/d were in negative balance whereas those with intakes >550 µg/d were in positive balance. The daily iodine intake at zero balance was 343 µg/d, which was higher in women from Shandong (492 µg/d) than in those from Hebei and Tianjin (202 µg/d). CONCLUSIONS: Iodine intake at zero balance determined in pregnant women with adequate iodine nutrition is 202 µg/d, and the calculated recommended nutrient intake (RNI) is 280 µg/d. Iodine intakes of <150 µg/d and >550 µg/d are not recommended during pregnancy. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03710148.

Efficacy of a New Non-drug Acne Therapy: Aloe Vera Gel Combined With Ultrasound and Soft Mask for the Treatment of Mild to Severe Facial Acne.

Background: Acne is a chronic disorder that affects almost 80% of adolescents and young adults, causing psychological and emotional distress. However, the current treatments for acne are either ineffective or have many side effects. This study was designed to confirm and objectively quantify the effect of a new non-drug combined therapy on acne. Methods: This study innovatively utilized ultrasound, which enhanced the absorption of aloe vera gel, and soft mask to make a purely physical method without any drugs. In both the treatment group and control group, the number of papules/pustules and the area of hyperpigmented lesions were counted, and a smart mirror intelligent face system was used before and after the combined therapy. Alterations in the skin functional index were recorded and analyzed statistically. Results: In the treatment group, the combined therapy significantly reduced the number of papules and the area of hyperpigmented lesions and improved skin roughness and local blood circulation. In the control group, there was no obvious improvement over 2 months. Conclusion: This study suggests that the new non-drug combined therapy significantly improved acne, which provided experimental evidence and treatment guidance for patients with mild to severe acne, especially patients with moderate acne. This new therapy may possibly be an appropriate method for patients who seek topical treatments with mild side effects and low antibiotic resistance rates.

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with thyroid autoimmunity: results from an epidemiological survey in Tianjin, China.

PURPOSE: The pathogenesis of Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is unclear, although some studies have identified an association between vitamin D deficiency and thyroid autoantibody positivity. This study aimed to investigate vitamin D status, and its relationships with thyroid autoantibody positivity and HT, via a large epidemiological survey. METHODS: The epidemiological survey was conducted in Tianjin, China. All participants underwent testing for serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), thyroid function, and thyroid autoantibodies, and some participants underwent testing to evaluate CD4+ T-cell differentiation and concentrations of related cytokines. RESULTS: The study included 1812 participants and revealed prevalences of 13.1% for thyroid peroxidase antibodies (i-TPOAb) and 14.0% for thyroglobulin antibodies (i-TgAb). Logistic regression analysis revealed that thyroid autoantibody positivity was associated with sex, age, and 25OHD classification. An increased likelihood of i-TPOAb positivity was associated with 25OHD deficiency (odds ratio [OR]: 2.428, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.383-4.261) and 25OHD inadequacy (OR: 1.198, 95% CO: 0.828-1.733; p = 0.008). An increased likelihood of i-TgAb positivity was associated with 25OHD deficiency (OR: 2.366, 95% CI: 1.366-4.099) and 25OHD inadequacy (OR: 1.263, 95% CI: 0.883-1.807; p = 0.009). Relative to healthy subjects, patients with HT had significantly higher proportions of Th1 and Th17 cells, as well as higher concentrations of related cytokines. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that vitamin D deficiency was associated with thyroid autoantibody positivity, and that vitamin D deficiency seems to be involved in the pathological mechanism underlying HT. Large randomized controlled trials are needed to investigate the effects of vitamin D supplementation on HT.

Efficacy and safety of 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy for the treatment of ulcerative squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Photodynamic therapy is a nonsurgical alternative to conventional tumor excision for squamous cell carcinoma. In addition, photodynamic therapy has many advantages in improving wound healing, especially for diabetic foot lesions and infected ulcers. However, the effect of photodynamic therapy on ulcerative squamous cell carcinoma is not yet clear. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy in treating squamous cell carcinoma. METHODS: A total of six cases of ulcerative squamous cell carcinoma were included in our study. Each ulcer region was irradiated with 120 J/cm2 using a 635-nm red light-emitting diode after application of 5-aminolevulinic acid solution at 1-week intervals. The number of treatment sessions depended on the healing of the lesions. RESULTS: The ulcerative lesions showed complete clinical remission with an average 3.7 photodynamic therapy sessions. There was no recurrence during a follow-up of 8.5 months (range, 3 months to 1 year). The patients were able to complete the treatment protocol with good cosmetic results and no significant complications. In addition, most patients reported significant improvement in their quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Photodynamic therapy is a promising method for treating ulcerative squamous cell carcinoma. However, its effects need to be validated in larger patient samples in clinical trials.

[Investigation and analysis of salt sales and public consumption in supermarkets in Tianjin after salt reform].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the consumption status of iodized and iodine-free salt and the attitude and reasons for Tianjin residents to choose salt after the reformation of the salt industry systems, and to provide a scientific basis for iodine supplementation and protect the public iodine adequate. METHODS: Stratified sampling method was used to investigate supermarkets of different sizes in 16 districts of Tianjin from December 2017 to May 2018. And 4-8 different sizes supermarkets were selected in the east, south, west, north, and middle directions of each district, and 25 consumers were selected in each district to conduct a questionnaire survey by Population Proportionate Sampling(PPS). Questionnaire survey was used by investigators to ask and record the respondents age, gender, salt type, time to eat a bag of salt, number of people dining, frequency of seafood consumption, special populations in the family(children, pregnant women or lactating women), reasons for choosing iodized salt or iodine-free salt. And the supermarket sales staff were questioned on the type and proportion of salt sold, the monthly sales of iodized salt and non-iodized salt, and the trend of sales volume. RESULTS: The sales volume of iodized salt was significantly greater than that of noniodized salt in the 94 different supermarkets(P<0. 05). Supermarkets with a rise in sales volume of non-iodized salt and iodized salt accounted for 40. 0% and 32. 9%, respectively. Significance difference was found in the prevalence of thyroid disease among people with different salt selection types(χ~2= 15. 052, P<0. 05). The prevalence of thyroid disease is higher in the non-iodized salt group. No significant difference was found in the prevalence of thyroid disease between different genders and age groups(χ~2= 0. 937, P > 0. 05; χ~2=2. 442, P > 0. 05). From the reasons why consumers choose different types of salt, the choice of iodized salt in the population, habits(45. 0%) accounted for a larger proportion, the prevention of thyroid disease accounted for 49. 6%. Among the people who chose to have no iodized salt, it is considered that Tianjin is a seaside city that does not need iodine supplementation, accounting for 55. 9%, and those who prevent thyroid disease account for 35. 6%. Prevention of thyroid disease account for 46. 9% and those who do not need iodine supplementation account for 40. 0% in a mixed population. CONCLUSION: There are blindness and misunderstanding when consumers select the type of salt.

Effect of exercise and butyrate supplementation on microbiota composition and lipid metabolism.

The composition and activity of the gut microbiota depend on the host genome, nutrition, and lifestyle. Exercise and sodium butyrate (NaB) exert metabolic benefits in both mice and humans. However, the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to examine the effect of exercise training and dietary supplementation of butyrate on the composition of gut microbiota and whether the altered gut microbiota can stimulate differential production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which promote the expression of SESN2 and CRTC2 to improve metabolic health and protect against obesity. C57BL/6J mice were used to study the effect of exercise and high-fat diet (HFD) with or without NaB on gut microbiota. Bacterial communities were assayed in fecal samples using pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons. Western blot was performed using relevant antibodies to detect the protein expressions in liver and HepG2 cell extracts. Exercise and butyrate administration significantly reversed metabolic dysfunctions induced by HFD (P < 0.05). The number of Firmicutes and the proportion of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes order were predominant in all HFD groups (P = 0.001). Exercise and butyrate supplementation significantly inhibited the relative abundance of lipopolysaccharide-producing phyla (P = 0.001). SESN2 and CRTC2 expression in the liver of mice were significantly increased after exercise (P < 0.05) and/or supplementation of butyrate (P < 0.05). Exercise enhances butyrate-producing fecal bacteria and increases butyrate production and consequently improves lipid metabolism through the butyrate-SESN2/CRTC2 pathway. Excess butyrate may reduce the proportion of probiotics and reverse the metabolic effects.

High prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and influencing factors among urban and rural residents in Tianjin, China.

There was a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among residents in Tianjin, China, especially among female residents, rural young adults, and elderly individuals. This is the first large-scale study evaluating vitamin D status in Tianjin, China, and we believe that it makes a significant contribution to the literature. PURPOSE: Vitamin D deficiency has been documented as a worldwide public health problem. To our knowledge, there has not been any large-scale study on vitamin D status in Tianjin, China. The aim of this study was to investigate vitamin D status among Tianjin residents and to determine influencing factors. METHODS: This is a community-based study, and residents from both urban and rural areas of Tianjin were enrolled. Each participant completed a questionnaire regarding basic characteristics and lifestyle information. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were statistically analyzed according to sex, age, and region. Other factors associated with vitamin D deficiency were also explored. RESULTS: A total of 1814 participants were included, with mean serum 25(OH)D level of 49.44 ± 14.9 nmol/L; only 47.63% achieved the optimal (50-125 nmol/L) 25(OH)D level. Serum 25(OH)D levels were higher among male participants than among female participants (53.44 ± 13.94 versus 46.55 ± 14.91 nmol/L, P < 0.05) and among urban participants than among rural participants (50.4 ± 16.32 versus 48.65 ± 13.58 nmol/L, P < 0.05). Serum 25(OH)D levels were significantly higher among the age group of 40-49 years (50.7 ± 17.99 nmol/L) than among the ≥ 70 years (48.45 ± 14.49 nmol/L) or 18-29 years (47.81 ± 13.08 nmol/L) age groups. CONCLUSIONS: There was a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency/inadequacy among Tianjin residents, especially among female participants, rural young adults, and elderly individuals. Vitamin D supplementation is imperative for these high-risk vitamin D-deficient residents.

Breast milk and infant iodine status during the first 12 weeks of lactation in Tianjin City, China.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The present study investigated the iodine status of breast milk and breast-fed infants during the first 12 weeks postpartum in Tianjin, China. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: A total of 175 pregnant women were recruited before delivery. Their breastmilk and 24-h urine samples were collected at 4, 8, and 12 weeks postpartum; spot urine samples were simultaneously collected from their infants. The iodine content of the samples was measured. RESULTS: The mean breast milk iodine concentrations (BMICs) at 4, 8, and 12 weeks were 221.7±103.5 µg/L, 175.2±76.2 µg/L, and 148.1±66.2 µg/L, respectively. Significant differences existed between the mean BMICs of the three sampling times (F=12.449, p<0.001). The BMIC showed a decreasing trend during the first 12 weeks postpartum. The median urinary iodine concentrations (UICs) of the mothers were 152, 112, and 109 µg/L at the different sampling times. The BMIC and UIC were not correlated in the mothers. The median UICs in the infants were 251, 183, and 164 µg/L. The infant UICs were statistically different at the three sampling times (p=0.001). Moreover, the infant UICs correlated with the BMICs (Rs=0.205, p=0.010) but not with the maternal UICs (Rs=0.131, p=0.067). CONCLUSION: The BMIC in and infant iodine intake from breast milk decreased in the first 12 weeks. Breastfed infants could receive adequate iodine from breast milk in Tianjin City.

Involvement of PKCα and ERK1/2 signaling pathways in EGCG's protection against stress-induced neural injuries in Wistar rats.

Stress-induced neural injuries are closely linked to the pathogenesis of various neuropsychiatric disorders and psychosomatic diseases. We and others have previously demonstrated certain protective effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) in stress-induced cerebral impairments, but the underlying protective mechanisms still remain poorly elucidated. Here we provide evidence to support the possible involvement of PKCα and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling pathways in EGCG-mediated protection against restraint stress-induced neural injuries in rats. In both open-field and step-through behavioral tests, the restraint stress-induced neuronal impairments were significantly ameliorated by administration of EGCG or green tea polyphenols (GTPs), which was associated with a partial restoration of normal plasma glucocorticoid, dopamine and serotonin levels. Furthermore, the stress-induced decrease of PKCα and ERK1/2 expression and phosphorylation was significantly attenuated by EGCG and to a less extent by GTP administration. Additionally, EGCG supplementation restored the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and the expression of a key regulator of cellular energy metabolism, the peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), in stressed animals. In conclusion, PKCα and ERK1/2 signaling pathways as well as PGC-1α-mediated ATP production might be involved in EGCG-mediated protection against stress-induced neural injuries.

Investigation on the Role of BDNF in the Benefits of Blueberry Extracts for the Improvement of Learning and Memory in Alzheimer's Disease Mouse Model.

BACKGROUND: Blueberry (BB) can provide a wide range of antioxidant benefits for AD. There is evidence that BB extracts could improve brain functions. However, the details are still unknown. OBJECTIVE: In the present study, we aimed to investigate the possible mechanism involved in the improvement of learning and memory capacity from BB extracts in AD. METHODS: APP/PS1 transgenic mice were fed BB extracts for 16 weeks. The capacity of learning and memory was assessed by Morris water maze (MWM) test, and long-term potentiation (LTP) was determined to evaluate hippocampal neuronal plasticity at the end of administration. Pathological changes in the brain were observed, and the expressions of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK1/2) were determined to explore the mechanism of BB extract-induced benefits. RESULTS: AD mice exhibited more difficulties to learn and remember the exact position of the platform in the MWM test. The data showed that AD mice lacked effective learning in the platform search. In contrast, AD mice exhibited better performance both in the training phase and probe test of MWM after the BB treatment. Moreover, LTP was enhanced and the neuron loss was alleviated with BB treatment, while we did not find any obvious effect on the elimination of amyloid-ß. In the AD mice, the expression of ERK1/2 was significantly increased (p < 0.05), while the level of BDNF was decreased (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: BB treatment was beneficial for the improvement of learning and memory of AD, and these effects might be related to the regulation of BDNF.

Selenoprotein P and apolipoprotein E receptor-2 interact at the blood-brain barrier and also within the brain to maintain an essential selenium pool that protects against neurodegeneration.

Selenoprotein P (Sepp1) and its receptor, apolipoprotein E receptor 2 (apoER2), account for brain retaining selenium better than other tissues. The primary sources of Sepp1 in plasma and brain are hepatocytes and astrocytes, respectively. ApoER2 is expressed in varying amounts by tissues; within the brain it is expressed primarily by neurons. Knockout of Sepp1 or apoER2 lowers brain selenium from ∼120 to ∼50 ng/g and leads to severe neurodegeneration and death in mild selenium deficiency. Interactions of Sepp1 and apoER2 that protect against this injury have not been characterized. We studied Sepp1, apoER2, and brain selenium in knockout mice. Immunocytochemistry showed that apoER2 mediates Sepp1 uptake at the blood-brain barrier. When Sepp1(-/-) or apoER2(-/-) mice developed severe neurodegeneration caused by mild selenium deficiency, brain selenium was ∼35 ng/g. In extreme selenium deficiency, however, brain selenium of ∼12 ng/g was tolerated when both Sepp1 and apoER2 were intact in the brain. These findings indicate that tandem Sepp1-apoER2 interactions supply selenium for maintenance of brain neurons. One interaction is at the blood-brain barrier, and the other is within the brain. We postulate that Sepp1 inside the blood-brain barrier is taken up by neurons via apoER2, concentrating brain selenium in them.

Exploration of the safe upper level of iodine intake in euthyroid Chinese adults: a randomized double-blind trial.

BACKGROUND: The beneficial health effects associated with Universal Salt Iodization are well known. Yet, little is known about the possible adverse health effects in people with high iodine intake and the safe daily intake upper limit in the Chinese population. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to explore the safe upper level of total daily iodine intake among adults in China. DESIGN: A 4-wk, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized controlled trial was conducted in 256 euthyroid adults. Participants were randomly assigned to 12 intervention groups with various iodine supplement doses ranging from 0 to 2000 µg/d. Total iodine intake included iodine from both supplements and diet. Multiple outcome measures were used to evaluate possible adverse effects, including thyroid function, thyroid size, and urinary iodine. RESULTS: The mean iodine intake from the diets and salt intake of the participants were 105 ± 25 and 258 ± 101 µg/d, respectively. In comparison with the placebo group, all iodide-supplemented groups responded with significant increases in median urinary iodine concentrations (P < 0.05) and in thyroid-stimulating hormone concentration (P < 0.05). Thyroid volume decreased after 4 wk in the high-iodine intervention groups (1500-2000 µg). Subclinical hypothyroidism appeared in the groups that received 400 µg I (5%) and 500-2000 µg I (15-47%). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that subclinical hypothyroidism appeared in the participants who took the 400-µg I supplement, which provided a total iodine intake of ∼800 µg/d. Thus, we caution against a total daily iodine intake that exceeds 800 µg/d in China and recommend further research to determine a safe daily upper limit.

[The effect of selenium on the expression of Fas/FasL in experimental autoimmune thyroiditis rats' thyroid with adequate iodine].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of different selenium intake on the expression of apoptosis protein Fas/FasL in experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (EAT) rats' thyroid with adequate iodine. METHODS: Thirty-two female lewis rats were divided stochastically into 4 groups as C group, M group, Se(+) + M group, Se(-) + M group, respectively, and pretreated with feedstuffs containing different concentrations of selenium (Se(+) + M group 2 mg/kg, C and M group 0.20 mg/kg, Se(-) + M group 0.02 mg/kg, respectively) for two weeks, and immunized the rats with porcine thyroglobulin (pTg) to establish an EAT model. The thyroid gland was sampled, embedded in mineral wax and sliced, and the expression of Fas/FasL was measured with immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Both the expressions of Fas and FasL of EAT rats were significantly increased as compared with control group. The expression of Fas in rats' thyroid follicular cells with EAT was down-regulated as the increased selenium intake (optical density: 0.059 +/- 0.006), the expression of Fas of Se(+) + M group (0.036 +/- 0.004) was significantly inhibited (q = 11.591, P = 0.000), and expression of Fas was lower in the Se(+) + M group than Se(-) + M group (0.050 +/- 0.005) (q = 7.055 , P = 0.000). Effect of selenium on FasL was not identified. CONCLUSION: Increasing the intake of selenium might decrease the expression of Fas on thyroid follicular cells and restrain the development of EAT.

[Study on content of iodine in food in Tianjin market and iodine nutrition conditions among college students].

OBJECTIVE: To know about content of iodine in foods sold in Tianjing markets presently, and the iodine nutrition conditions in college students. It was also aimed to probe the functions of the iodized salt complement with the dietary iodine intake, and whether the urine iodine could reflect dietary iodine intake. METHODS: 278 food samples in markets were collected by a randomly stratified sampling method, while the arsenic-cerium catalytic contact method was used to determine the content in food. The dietary information of students for seven days was recorded, and the urine iodine was determined through the arsenic-cerium catalytic spectrophotometry. RESULTS: The determination of 47 kinds and 278 food samples indicated that the content of iodine within animal foods (7.8 microg/100 g - 30.8 microg/100 g) was higher than that within plant foods (1.8 microg/100 g - 16.1 microg/100 g). The investigation also showed that students who regarded vegetarian food as principle accounted for 70. 19%. The amount of dietary iodine intake among those students, based on the dietary survey, was (111.67 +/- 53.18) microg/d, while supplementary iodine from iodized salt was about (230.27 +/- 45.55) microg/d. Therefore, the total iodine provided from diet would be (341.95 +/- 89.58) microg/d. Modified by urine creatinine, the median of urine iodine was 271.28 microg/gCr, and the urine iodine and dietary iodine intake was found positively related (r(s) = 0.463, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Regarding the vegetarian food as the principle, most of students investigated are not rich. The dietary iodine intake is lower than RDA (150 microg), but it can be obtained the iodized salt by 230. 27 microg, which is the possible supplement to the shortage from foods.

[Cloning, identification and tissue expression of novel genes differentially expressed in diabetic rats supplemented with zinc].

OBJECTIVE: To clone novel gene fragments differentially expressed from diabetic rats supplemented with zinc and to detect their expression distribution in various tissues. METHODS: cDNA fragments from former research project were cloned, sequenced and BLASTn analysed. The RT-PCR of the two novel genes were made using the primers designed according to the sequence of cDNA to observe the expression changes in liver of various groups and their expression distributions in various tissues. RESULTS: 2 # cDNA and 6 # cDNA were shown to be the novel gene fragments for no matched gene with them in GenBank. The expression level of DM group and DM + Zn group was obviously lower than those of NC group. The expression level of DM + Zn group was higher than those of DM group ( P < 0.05) . The expression level of 2 # cDNA was higher in brain and pancreas, lower in kidney, and none in heart, muscle and thymus. The expression of 6 # cDNA can be found in heart, muscle, brain, kidney and pancreas, but thymus. 2 # cDNA and 6 # cDNA were registered to GenBank with the numbers of AY952968 and AY952970 respectively. CONCLUSION: Two novel genes differentially expressed in diabetic rats supplemented with zinc were cloned and expressed in various tissues, and were successfully submitted to GenBank.