A genome-wide association study provides insights into the genetic etiology of 57 essential and non-essential trace elements in humans.

Trace elements are important for human health but may exert toxic or adverse effects. Mechanisms of uptake, distribution, metabolism, and excretion are partly under genetic control but have not yet been extensively mapped. Here we report a comprehensive multi-element genome-wide association study of 57 essential and non-essential trace elements. We perform genome-wide association meta-analyses of 14 trace elements in up to 6564 Scandinavian whole blood samples, and genome-wide association studies of 43 trace elements in up to 2819 samples measured only in the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT). We identify 11 novel genetic loci associated with blood concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, manganese, selenium, and zinc in genome-wide association meta-analyses. In HUNT, several genome-wide significant loci are also indicated for other trace elements. Using two-sample Mendelian randomization, we find several indications of weak to moderate effects on health outcomes, the most precise being a weak harmful effect of increased zinc on prostate cancer. However, independent validation is needed. Our current understanding of trace element-associated genetic variants may help establish consequences of trace elements on human health.

Parenteral n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation improves postoperative recovery for patients with Crohn's disease after bowel resection: a randomized, unblinded controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The postoperative inflammatory response is associated with postoperative recovery in surgery. n-3 (ω-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids have been reported to lower inflammation. The postoperative role of parenteral n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation on outcomes in Crohn's disease after bowel resection is unclear. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the effects of postoperative parenteral n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation in Crohn's disease. METHODS: A prospective randomized, unblinded controlled clinical trial was conducted for patients with Crohn's disease who underwent bowel resection between May 2019 and February 2022. Postoperative complications, complete blood count, serum biochemical values, and cytokine concentrations were compared in patients with and without parenteral n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation for 5 d postoperatively. RESULTS: There were 268 patients randomly assigned in the analysis, with 134 in the control group (a mix of long-chain and medium-chain fats at 1.0 g/kg/d) and 134 in the treatment group (long-chain, medium-chain, and n-3 polyunsaturated fats at 1.2 g/kg/d). Twenty-six did not complete the allocated treatment, and 8 patients were lost to follow-up. The intention-to-treat analysis and the per-protocol analysis showed that there were a significant reduction in overall complication rates (22.4% compared with 49.3%; P < 0.001 and 21.8% compared with 38.2%; P = 0.006) and postoperative stay (8.8 ± 4.5 d compared with 11.2 ± 6.8 d; P = 0.001 and 8.7 ± 4.0 d compared with 11.5 ± 7.3 d; P < 0.001) in patients with parenteral n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation compared with patients in the control group. In the secondary outcomes, the mean ± standard deviation of interleukin (IL)-6 (17.11 ± 2.14 pg/mL compared with 30.50 ± 5.14 pg/mL; P = 0.014), IL-1ß (2.01 ± 0.05 pg/mL compared with 2.24 ± 0.09 pg/mL; P = 0.019), tumor necrosis factor-α (2.09 ± 0.06 pg/mL compared with 2.29 ± 0.06 pg/mL; P = 0.029), and C-reactive protein concentrations (51.3 ± 4.2 mg/L compared with 64.4 ± 5.3 mg/L; P = 0.050) on postoperative day 5 in the treatment group were much lower than those in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Parenteral n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation promotes postoperative recovery in patients with Crohn's disease following bowel resection, with fewer complications and reduced inflammatory cytokines. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03901937 at https://classic. CLINICALTRIALS: gov/ct2/show/NCT03901937?term=NCT03901937&cond=Crohn+Disease&draw=2&rank=1.

SmEIL1 transcription factor inhibits tanshinone accumulation in response to ethylene signaling in Salvia miltiorrhiza.

Among the bioactive compounds, lipid-soluble tanshinone is present in Salvia miltiorrhiza, a medicinal plant species. While it is known that ethephon has the ability to inhibit the tanshinones biosynthesis in the S. miltiorrhiza hairy root, however the underlying regulatory mechanism remains obscure. In this study, using the transcriptome dataset of the S. miltiorrhiza hairy root induced by ethephon, an ethylene-responsive transcriptional factor EIN3-like 1 (SmEIL1) was identified. The SmEIL1 protein was found to be localized in the nuclei, and confirmed by the transient transformation observed in tobacco leaves. The overexpression of SmEIL1 was able to inhibit the tanshinones accumulation to a large degree, as well as down-regulate tanshinones biosynthetic genes including SmGGPPS1, SmHMGR1, SmHMGS1, SmCPS1, SmKSL1 and SmCYP76AH1. These are well recognized participants in the tanshinones biosynthesis pathway. Further investigation on the SmEIL1 was observed to inhibit the transcription of the CPS1 gene by the Dual-Luciferase (Dual-LUC) and yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) assays. The data in this work will be of value regarding the involvement of EILs in regulating the biosynthesis of tanshinones and lay the foundation for the metabolic engineering of bioactive ingredients in S. miltiorrhiza.

Oxyresveratrol Improves Cognitive Impairments and Episodic-like Memory through Modulating Neuroinflammation and PI3K-Akt Signaling Pathway in LPS-Induced Mice.

Oxyresveratrol is one of the active ingredients derived from mulberry branch with strong anti-inflammatory bioactivity. In this research, we want to explore if oxyresveratrol can improve cognitive impairments and episodic-like memory and its mechanism. In LPS-induced BV-2 cells, 25 µM OXY can significantly inhibit the expression of NO and alter the M1/M2 polarization by regulating M1/M2 phenotype makers. In vivo, OXY (50, 100 mg/kg) significantly reversed cognitive impairments and alleviated neuronal injuries caused by neuroinflammation. According to network pharmacology analysis, OXY alleviated neuroinflammation via the PI3K-Akt pathway. In general, the research revealed that OXY can improve cognitive impairments and episodic-like memory through alleviating LPS-induced neuroinflammation and regulating the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.

Microbial regulation of plant secondary metabolites: Impact, mechanisms and prospects.

Plant secondary metabolites possess a wide range of pharmacological activities and play crucial biological roles. They serve as both a defense response during pathogen attack and a valuable drug resource. The role of microorganisms in the regulation of plant secondary metabolism has been widely recognized. The addition of specific microorganisms can increase the synthesis of secondary metabolites, and their beneficial effects depend on environmental factors and plant-related microorganisms. This article summarizes the impact and regulatory mechanisms of different microorganisms on the main secondary metabolic products of plants. We emphasize the mechanisms by which microorganisms regulate hormone levels, nutrient absorption, the supply of precursor substances, and enzyme and gene expression to promote the accumulation of plant secondary metabolites. In addition, the possible negative feedback regulation of microorganisms is discussed. The identification of additional unknown microbes and other driving factors affecting plant secondary metabolism is essential. The prospects for further analysis of medicinal plant genomes and the establishment of a genetic operation system for plant secondary metabolism research are proposed. This study provides new ideas for the use of microbial resources for biological synthesis research and the improvement of crop anti-inverse traits for the use of microbial resources.

Nutrient consumption patterns of Lactobacillus acidophilus.

BACKGROUND: One of the greatest challenges in using Lactobacillus acidophilus as a probiotic is acid stress. The current research aimed to identify substances that help L. acidophilus resist acid stress; this was achieved through assessing its nutrient consumption patterns under various pH conditions. RESULTS: The consumption rates of alanine, uracil, adenine, guanine, niacin, and manganese were consistently higher than 60% for L. acidophilus LA-5 cultured at pH 5.8, 4.9, and 4.4. The consumption rates of glutamic acid + glutamine and thiamine increased with decreasing pH and were higher than 60% at pH 4.9 and 4.4. The viable counts of L. acidophilus LA-5 were significantly increased under the corresponding acidic stress conditions (pH 4.9 and 4.4) through the appropriate addition of either alanine (3.37 and 2.81 mmol L-1 ), glutamic acid + glutamine (4.77 mmol L-1 ), guanine (0.13 and 0.17 mmol L-1 ), niacin (0.02 mmol L-1 ), thiamine (0.009 mmol L-1 ), or manganese (0.73 and 0.64 mmol L-1 ) (P < 0.05). The viable counts of L. acidophilus LA-5 cultured in a medium supplemented with combined nutritional factors was 1.02-1.03-fold of the counts observed in control medium under all acid conditions (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Alanine, glutamic acid + glutamine, guanine, niacin, thiamine, and manganese can improve the growth of L. acidophilus LA-5 in an acidic environment in the present study. The results will contribute to optimizing strategies to enhance the acid resistance of L. acidophilus and expand its application in the fermentation industry. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

The Role of Preoperative CT Perfusion Imaging in Assessing Colorectal Cancer Angiogenesis and its Clinical Value.

Purpose: Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, plays a crucial role in tumor growth and metastasis. Understanding the vascular characteristics of colorectal cancer through preoperative computed tomography (CT) perfusion parameters can provide valuable insights into the tumor's aggressiveness and potential for spread. Additionally, exploring the correlation between these parameters and serum tumor marker levels may offer a comprehensive perspective on the disease's biological behavior. Methods: In this retrospective study, we investigated 42 colorectal cancer patients. Based on microvascular density (MVD) measured by immunohistochemistry (IHC), participants were categorized into either a high-density group (n = 24) with MVD ≥ 35/field of view or a low-density group (n = 18) with MVD < 35/field of view. Additionally, a control group comprised 25 patients with pathologically confirmed benign colorectal lesions. This study design allowed us to assess the correlation between MVD and colorectal cancer, differentiating between high and low microvascular density groups, while also comparing results to a control group for comprehensive analysis. Results: Colorectal cancer was associated with significantly higher levels of blood volume (BV; high-density group: 7.65±1.36 mL/100g; low-density group: 6.73±1.29 mL/100g), blood flow (BF; high-density group: 67.33±12.16 ml/(100g·min); low-density group: 52.84±11.43 ml/(100g·min)), permeability surface (PS; high-density group: 35.19±6.32 ml/(100g·min); low-density group: 22.27±4.85 ml/(100g·min)), serum glycoprotein antigen 19-9 (CA19-9; high-density group: 45.38±5.41 g/ml); low-density group: 23.43±3.59 g/ml), glycoprotein antigen 125 (CA125; high-density group: 27.56±3.73 g/ml); low-density group: 12.63±2.59 g/ml), and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA; high-density group: 17.87±3.12 g/ml); low-density group: 8.51±2.87 g/ml) versus benign colorectal lesions, with more significant changes observed in the high-density group versus the low-density group (P ≤ .001). The three groups showed similar mean transit time (MTT). The AUCs under the ROC curves for BV, BF, PS, and TTP were 0.901, 0.898, 0.963, and 0.983, respectively. Pearson correlation analysis showed a positive correlation of patients' serum CA19-9 with BV, BF, and PS., Serum CA125 and CEA were positively correlated with BF and PS, and the above indicators were negatively correlated with TTP. Conclusions: In conclusion, our study highlights the potential of preoperative CT perfusion imaging as a valuable tool for evaluating angiogenesis in colorectal cancer and its correlation with serum tumor markers. The identified associations open avenues for further research to delve into specific aspects of angiogenesis and tumor markers. Future investigations could focus on elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying the observed correlations, potentially identifying novel therapeutic targets. Additionally, exploring the dynamic changes in angiogenesis and tumor markers during different stages of colorectal cancer progression may provide a more comprehensive understanding. Moreover, assessing the prognostic value of these imaging and biomarker correlations in larger, diverse patient cohorts could enhance their clinical utility. Our findings lay the groundwork for these future research directions, emphasizing the need for continued exploration to advance our knowledge and improve clinical strategies for colorectal cancer management.

Traditional Chinese Exercises for Cardiovascular Diseases: A Bibliometric Analysis.

Traditional Chinese exercises (TCEs) have great value in the prevention and effective treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Our purpose in this study was to summarize present research trends and future directions regarding the link between TCEs and CVD by bibliometrics analysis. We searched the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) for all original articles and reviews on TCEs for CVD published in English before August 7, 2022 using CiteSpace 5.8.R3 and Microsoft Excel 2019 software, and we displayed the results in the form of network maps, line graphs, and tables. We initially obtained 725 articles. Our results showed that the United States was the most influential country in this line of research, with Harvard University the most prolific institution in the field, and, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine was the most productive journal for these articles. The highest-frequency keywords in this research area were Tai Chi, exercise, blood pressure, quality of life, and older adult. Additionally, important research topics included heart rate variability, quality of life, meta-analysis, Baduanjin exercise, and breathing exercise. In addition, our results revealed that among all the TCEs, Tai Chi, Baduanjin, and Qigong emerged as the most extensively studied. However, it's important to note our exclusive focus on literature published in English may have led to our missing important results. Future investigators should broaden their search to include other databases and languages to present a still more comprehensive overview of this field.

Optimization of the Zhou Tian Formula extraction technology based on AHP-CRITIC method and analysis of transfer efficiency of key components based on HPLC fingerprinting.

INTRODUCTION: Zhou Tian Formula (ZTF) is an antidepressant traditional Chinese medicine utilized widely in clinical settings for the treatment of patients with depression. However, shortcomings persist in its extraction technology and quality control. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to propose a methodology for ZTF extraction technology based on the analytic hierarchy process (AHP)-criteria importance through intercriteria correlation (CRITIC) method and to establish a quality control framework for the efficient transfer of index components. METHOD: Firstly, we analyzed the chemical components of ZTF and determined the optimal extraction technology. Secondly, we calculated the transfer efficiency of the index components during the conversion of water decoction to extract powder and subsequently to granules. Thirdly, we established HPLC fingerprints for 15 batches of ZTF water decoction, extract powder, and granules. We employed SIMCA software to analyze the chemicals responsible for variations in quality among different batches of ZTF granules. RESULTS: We determined the optimal extraction process. The average transfer efficiency of ferulic acid, puerarin, mirificin, isoferulic acid, and calycosin during the conversion of water decoction to extract powder and subsequently to granules exceeded 41%. The HPLC fingerprints of ZTF exhibited a similarity exceeding 0.890. Variable importance in projection values indicated that calycosin, ferulic acid, and puerarin were the primary contributors to quality variations. CONCLUSIONS: The AHP-CRITIC method, coupled with an orthogonal array design, could be used for exploring extraction technology. In addition, the rules governing the transfer of index components from water decoction to extract powder, and subsequently to granules, could be applied for the evaluation and quality assessment of ZTF.

Integrative care: acupuncture based neuromodulation therapy for diabetes and heart failure.

The relationship between heart failure and diabetes is intricate and bidirectional. Individuals with diabetes face an elevated risk of developing heart failure due to factors like insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, and metabolic irregularities. Elevated blood sugar levels can harm blood vessels and nerves, culminating in the buildup of fatty deposits in arteries, atherosclerosis, and hypertension, which significantly contribute to heart failure. Furthermore, diabetes can adversely impact the structure and function of the heart muscle, impairing its pumping capacity. Conversely, heart failure can also contribute to the onset of diabetes by disrupting the body's metabolic processes and amplifying insulin resistance. The complex interaction between these conditions mandates a comprehensive approach to managing individuals with both diabetes and heart failure, underscoring the importance of addressing both aspects for enhanced patient outcomes. Although existing pharmacological treatments are limited and frequently associated with undesirable side effects, acupuncture has established itself as a traditional practice with a legacy. It remains a supplementary option for treating cardiovascular diseases. Heart failure and diabetes are both heavily associated with chronic upregulation of the sympathetic nervous system, which has been identified as a pivotal factor in the progression of disease. Mechanistic interplays such as the attenuation of central nitric oxide signaling may interfere with the production or availability of nitric oxide in key areas of the central nervous system, including the brainstem and hypothalamus. This review will delve into the current understanding of acupuncture on the autonomic nervous system and offer insights into its potential role in the future treatment landscape for diabetes and heart failure.

Size Dependence of Gold Nanorods for Efficient and Rapid Photothermal Therapy.

In recent years, gold nanomaterials have become a hot topic in photothermal tumor therapy due to their unique surface plasmon resonance characteristics. The effectiveness of photothermal therapy is highly dependent on the shape and size of gold nanoparticles. In this work, we investigate the photothermal therapeutic effects of four different sizes of gold nanorods (GNRs). The results show that the uptake of short GNRs with aspect ratios 3.3-3.5 by cells is higher than that of GNRs with aspect ratios 4-5.5. Using a laser with single pulse energy as low as 28 pJ laser for 20 s can induce the death of liver cancer cells co-cultured with short GNRs. Long GNRs required twice the energy to achieve the same therapeutic effect. The dual-temperature model is used to simulate the photothermal response of intracellular clusters irradiated by a laser. It is found that small GNRs are easier to compact because of their morphological characteristics, and the electromagnetic coupling between GNRs is better, which increases the internal field enhancement, resulting in higher local temperature. Compared with a single GNR, GNR clusters are less dependent on polarization and wavelength, which is more conducive to the flexible selection of excitation laser sources.

Hedscandines A-C, three undescribed indole alkaloids from Hedyotis scandens with their anti-MRSA activity.

Hedscandines A-C (1-3), three undescribed indole alkaloids were isolated from Hedyotis scandens Roxb, a traditional Chinese medicine widely used in the treatment of respiratory ailments. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic data and electronic circular dichroism calculation. Hedscandine A (1), possessed a unique carbon skeleton with a 1,4-oxazonin-2(3H)-one core system and displayed a rapid bactericidal activity against MRSA with a MIC value of 16 µg/mL. Mechanistic studies showed that compound 1 could disrupt the integrity of bacterial cell membranes and thus lead to bacterial death.

A new megastigmane glycoside, a new organic acid glycoside and other constituents with anticomplementary activity from Artemisia halodendron.

A new megastigmane glycoside, (1R,5R,6S,7E)-megastigman-3,9-dione-7-en-6,11-diol 11-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside (1), and a new organic acid glycoside, methyl (4 R)-4-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-decanoate (2), together with eight known compounds (3-10), were isolated from the aerial parts of Artemisia halodendron Turcz. ex Bess. (Asteraceae). Their chemical structures were elucidated by 1 D and 2 D NMR and HR-ESI-MS spectra and DP4+ probability analysis. Among the identified compounds, compounds 5, 6 and 10 were isolated from the family Asteraceae, and compounds 3, 4 and 7-9 were identified from the genus Artemisia for the first time. All of the compounds were evaluated for their anticomplementary activity against the classical pathway (CP) and the alternative pathway (AP). Compounds 7 and 9 showed anticomplementary activity with the CH50 values of 0.31 ± 0.08 and 0.50 ± 0.09 mM, respectively.

DIA-based serum proteomics revealed the protective effect of modified siwu decoction against hypobaric hypoxia.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Siwu decoction (SWD) is a common traditional formula for nourishing blood, and its derived formulas are also widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) clinic. However, the protective effects of SWD and its derived formulas on blood deficiency and blood stasis caused by rushing to the plateau are rarely reported, and the underlying mechanism has not been fully elucidated. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study explores the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of modified siwu decoction (MSWD) adding Persicae Semans (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch) and Carthami Flos (Carthamus tinctorius L.) against hypobaric hypoxia (HH). The acute toxicity of MSWD was also evaluated to further validate the potential of MSWD as a therapeutic candidate for HH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hypoxic models of C57BL/6 J and KM male mice were used to evaluate the pharmacological effect of MSWD. 2 µL serum sample of C57BL/6 J mice was digested into peptide mixtures and analyzed with DIA mode on an Orbitrap Fusion Lumos mass spectrometer after LC separation. The peptide and protein identifications were limited to a 1% FDR. Screening of differential expressed proteins, correlation analysis, hierarchical clustering analysis, principal components analysis and Mfuzz analysis were all performed by R packages. The protein-protein interaction network was analyzed using the STRING website and constructed with Cytoscape software. RESULTS: MSWD showed a protective effect against acute hypoxia exposure through increasing the number of red blood cells and improving hemodynamics indexes in mice. Meanwhile, the biochemical results showed that MSWD could reduce the inflammation and oxidative stress, reduce the content of organ injury biomarkers and significantly improve the high-intensity exercise ability of mice. Subsequently, serum DIA proteomic results revealed significant changes in proteomic characteristics after MSWD intervention. Specifically, proteins related to oxidative stress and ubiquitin-proteasome system, such as Sod1, Gstp1, Vcp and Usp14, were down-regulated after MSWD intervention, suggesting that the protective effect of MSWD involved the reduction of oxidative stress and energy expenditure. MSWD also intervened in energy metabolism and lipid metabolism processes by altering the expression levels of Eno1, Sphk1 and Apoa1 to ameliorate hypoxia-induced disorders. At the same time, MSWD acute toxicity test showed no obvious toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: MSWD has a good protective effect against HH by ameliorating hypoxia-induced disorders of energy and lipid metabolism, supporting MSWD as a safe drug candidate for the prevention and treatment of acute hypoxia fatigue.

Effects of electroacupuncture combined with acupoint catgut embedding on gastrointestinal motility and gastrointestinal hormones in rats with functional dyspepsia.

Electroacupuncture (EA) or acupoint catgut embedding (ACE) plays a therapeutic role in functional dyspepsia (FD). Herein, we aimed to elucidate the influences of EA combined with ACE on gastrointestinal motility and gastrointestinal hormones in rats with FD. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into the control group, model group, EA group, ACE group, and EA + ACE group (n = 10). Except for the control group, the rats in all groups were modeled by combining neonatal iodoacetamide gastrogavage and modified tail-clamping stimulation. The rats were treated with different treatments according to their groups. The rats were observed for changes in general behavior, body weight, food intake, and paw mechanical pain threshold. Gastric emptying rate (GER) and intestinal propulsive ratio (IPR) were measured in each group, and serum gastrointestinal hormone (motilin [MTL], leptin, gastrin [GAS], vasoactive intestinal peptide [VIP], calcitonin gene-related peptide [CGRP], and somatostatin [SS]) levels, oxidative stress factors (superoxide dismutase [SOD] and malondialdehyde [MDA]) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) levels were also measured. Decreased mean body weight, paw mechanical pain thresholds, food intake, and GER and IPR were found in rats of the model group in comparison to the control group. Serum MTL, GAS, SS, and SOD levels were reduced, and serum leptin, VIP, CGRP, MDA, and 5-HT levels were increased in rats of the model group in comparison to the control group. Elevated mean body weight, paw mechanical pain threshold, food intake, GER and IPR, and serum MTL, GAS, SS, and SOD levels, and reduced serum leptin, VIP, CGRP, MDA, and 5-HT levels were observed in rats of the EA, ACE, and EA + ACE groups relative to the model group. EA combined with ACE treatment was more effective than the EA or ACE treatment alone. EA combined with ACE treatment improves gastrointestinal motility and gastrointestinal hormone levels, promotes food intake, and reduces visceral hypersensitivity in FD rats.

Purification and characterization of a glycoprotein from Sipunculus nudus and its immune-enhancing activity to RAW 264.7 macrophages.

Sipunculus nudus, an edible marine invertebrate, has long been used as traditional Chinese medicine in folk remedies. In order to assess the immunoregulatory activity of glycoproteins in Sipunculus nudus and conduct a structure-activity relationship, a glycoprotein (SGP1) with molecular mass of 9.26 kDa was purified from Sipunculus nudus, and its chemical structure as well as immune-enhancing activity was investigated in this study. Structure analysis revealed that SGP1, a protein-dominate glycoprotein with O-glycosidic bonds, contained 92.8 % protein and 3.1 % saccharide. GC-MS result indicated that the saccharide moieties of SGP1 basically consisted of lyxose (Lyx), xylose (Xyl) as well as glucose (Glu) at a molar proportion of 0.87:4.16:1.36. The fourier transform infrared specoscopy (FT-IR) result proved that SGP1 have a typical characteristic of glycoprotein. Besides, circular dichroism (CD) result showed that SGP1 contained 4.1 % α-helix, 42.5 % ß-sheet, 21.4 % ß-turn, and 32.0 % random coil, indicating it's mainly a ß-sheet glycoprotein. The amino acid sequence of SGP1 shared a similarity to the Myohemerythrin (sp|Q5K473|HEMTM) with protein sequence coverage of 28.3 %. Moreover, the activity evaluation results showed that SGP1 exhibited significant immune-enhancing activity to the RAW 264.7 macrophages by promoting macrophages proliferation, enhancing phagocytic capacity, and simultaneously stimulating the secretions of nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) via NF-κB pathways. In this study, SGP1 as a novel glycoprotein had an obvious immune-enhancing activity to macrophages, and thus could be applied in the functional foods as a potential immunopotentiator for the hypoimmune population.

Induction of tetraploids in Paper Mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera (L.) L'Hér. ex Vent.) by colchicine.

BACKGROUND: Broussonetia papyrifera (L.) L'Hér. ex Vent. has the characteristics of strong stress resistance, high crude protein content, and pruning tolerance. It is an ecological, economic, and medicinal plant. Polyploid plants usually perform better than their corresponding diploid plants in terms of nutrients, active substances, and stress resistance. RESULTS: In this study, the leaves, calli, and seeds of diploid B. papyrifera were used for tetraploid induction by colchicine. The induction effect of colchicine on B. papyrifera was summarized through the early morphology, chromosome count and flow cytometry. It was concluded that the best induction effect (18.6%) was obtained when the leaves of B. papyrifera were treated in liquid MS (Murashige and Skoog) medium containing 450 mg·L-1 colchicine for 3 d. The comparative analysis of the growth characteristics of diploid and tetraploid B. papyrifera showed that tetraploid B. papyrifera has larger ground diameter, larger stomata, thicker palisade tissue and thicker sponge tissue than diploid B. papyrifera. In addition, the measurement of photosynthetic features also showed that tetraploids had higher chlorophyll content and higher photosynthetic rates. CONCLUSION: This study showed that tetraploid B. papyrifera could be obtained by treating leaves, callus and seeds with liquid and solid colchicine, but the induction efficiency was different. Moreover, there were differences in stomata, leaf cell structure and photosynthetic features between tetraploid B. papyrifera and its corresponding diploid. The induced tetraploid B. papyrifera can provide a technical basis and breeding material for the creation of B. papyrifera germplasm resources in the future.

Bavachin induces liver injury and cell apoptosis by targeting Wnt/ß-catenin/DRP1 signaling pathway mediated mitochondrial dysfunction.

Psraleae Fructus (PF) is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine in China. While numerous liver injury reports caused by PF limits its clinical application. Bavachin, a flavonoid compound isolated from the fruits of Psoralea corylifolia L., has been validated to induce direct apoptosis in hepatocytes and liver tissues in our previous studies. However, the subcellular mechanisms of bavachin induced liver injury is still elusive. Here, utilizing 6-week-old C57BL/6 J mice and human embryonic hepatocytes (L02 cells), we report that bavachin activates dynamic-related protein 1 (DRP1) mediated excess mitochondrial fission and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress related apoptosis via Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway. Notably, DRP1 knockdown or XAV-939 induced Wnt/ß-catenin inhibition decreased bavachin-induced ER stress and cell apoptosis in L02 cells. In addition, bavachin impaired mitochondrial structural and function in the mice liver tissues. Mdivi-1, a mitochondrial fission inhibitor targeting DRP1, prevented bavachin-induced mitochondrial and ER structural damage, ER stress, and liver injury. Our results demonstrated that bavachin induced mitochondrial fission plays a crucial role in bavachin induced ER stress related liver injury, via the mechanism that involved activation of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

Neuroprotective Effect of Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid (TUDCA) on In Vitro and In Vivo Models of Retinal Disorders: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) is a naturally produced hydrophilic bile acid that has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine. Numerous recent in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that TUDCA has neuroprotective action in various models of retinal disorders. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the scientific literature and provide a comprehensive summary on the neuroprotective action and the mechanisms involved in the cytoprotective effects of TUDCA. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA (The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Systematic literature search of United States National Library of Medicine (PubMed), Web of Science, Embase, Scopus and Cochrane Library was performed, which covered all original articles published up to July 2022. The terms, "TUDCA" in combination with "retina", "retinal protection", "neuroprotection" were searched. Possible biases were identified with the adopted SYRCLE's tool. RESULTS: Of the 423 initially gathered studies, 24 articles met inclusion/exclusion criteria for full-text review. Six of them were in vitro experiments, 17 studies reported in vivo data and one study described both in vitro and in vivo data. The results revealed the effect of TUDCA on different retinal diseases, such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP), diabetic retinopathy (DR), retinal degeneration (RD), retinal gangli on cell (RGC) damage, Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON), choroidal neovascularization (CNV), and retinal detachment (RDT). The quality scores of the in vivo studies were ranged from 5 to 7 points (total 10 points), according to SYRCLE's risk of bias tool. Both in vitro and in vivo data suggested that TUDCA could effectively delay degeneration and apoptosis of retinal neurons, preserve retinal structure and function, and its mechanism of actions might be related with inhibiting apoptosis, decreasing inflammation, attenuating oxidative stress, suppressing endoplasmic reticulum(ES) stress, and reducing angiogenesis. CONCLUSION: This systematic review demonstrated that TUDCA has neuroprotective effect on in vivo and in vitro models of retinal disorders, reinforcing the currently available evidence that TUDCA could be a promising therapeutic agent in retinal diseases treatment. However, well designed clinical trials are necessary to appraise the efficacy of TUDCA in clinical setting.