The role of autophagy in the treatment of type II diabetes and its complications: a review.

Type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by prolonged hyperglycemia and insulin resistance (IR). Its incidence is increasing annually, posing a significant threat to human life and health. Consequently, there is an urgent requirement to discover effective drugs and investigate the pathogenesis of T2DM. Autophagy plays a crucial role in maintaining normal islet structure. However, in a state of high glucose, autophagy is inhibited, resulting in impaired islet function, insulin resistance, and complications. Studies have shown that modulating autophagy through activation or inhibition can have a positive impact on the treatment of T2DM and its complications. However, it is important to note that the specific regulatory mechanisms vary depending on the target organ. This review explores the role of autophagy in the pathogenesis of T2DM, taking into account both genetic and external factors. It also provides a summary of reported chemical drugs and traditional Chinese medicine that target the autophagic pathway for the treatment of T2DM and its complications.

Meta-analysis of efficacy and safety of sustained release oxycodone hydrochloride rectal administration for moderate to severe pain.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oxycodone hydrochloride (OxyContin) rectal administration in cancer pain patients. This is geared towards providing the research evidence for a novel route of OxyContin administration. METHODS: Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were searched in electronic databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP database), Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM). Moreover, unpublished academic data were obtained by contacting the colleague, professor, or Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The RCTs of transrectal Oxycodone administration of sustained-release tablets for moderate and severe pain patients were searched in the databases from inception to December 2020. RESULTS: According to the inclusion criteria, a total of 8 RCTs were included, with a total of 648 patients. Meta analysis results showed that there was no statistically significant difference in the efficacy of moderate to severe pain control between the rectal administration group and the oral administration group (RR = 1.04, 95%CI: 0.99-1.10, p = 0.13>0.05). At the same time, the incidence of adverse reactions in the rectal administration group was low. In terms of constipation, the rectal administration group was less than the oral administration group, with a statistically significant difference (RR = 0.43, 95%CI: 0.31-0.58, p< 0.00001). In terms of nausea and vomiting, the rectal administration group was less than the oral administration group, and the difference was statistically significant(RR = 0.30, 95%CI: 0.21-0.42, p<0.00001). In terms of sleepiness, there was no significant difference between the two groups(RR = 0.54, 95%CI: 0.26-1.15, p = 0.11>0.05). In terms of dizziness, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (RR = 0.43, 95%CI:0.27-0.68, p = 0.31>0.05). In terms of dyuria, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (RR = 0.37, 95%CI: 0.02-7.02, p = 0.51>0.05). In terms of KPS scores there was no significant difference was noted between the rectal and oral administration groups (RR = 1.04, 95%CI: 0.89-1.21, p = 0.63>0.05). CONCLUSION: In summary, we found no significant differences in efficacy between rectal administration of OxyContin and oral administration. Thus, rectal administration should be considered in managing cancer pain among patients with difficulty in oral OxyContin administration. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42021209660.

Tea consumption and serum uric acid levels among older adults in three large-scale population-based studies in China.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The association between serum uric acid (SUA) and tea consumption has been studied in previous work, and there were arguments among various population group employed as well as different statistical approaches. The aim of this work is to investigate the tea effect on SUA levels among older adults by comparing three large-scale populations with both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses. METHOD: We examined the relationship between intake and SUA levels among older adults using linear regression. All the studies include the parameters SUA levels, tea intake, age, sex, education level, smoking status, alcohol drinking status, body mass index (BMI), and health history (diabetes, hypertension, and fasting plasma glucose). The cross-sectional analyses were conducted with 4579 older adults in the Weitang Geriatric Diseases Study (WGDS, ≥60 years), 2440 in the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS, ≥60 years) and 1236 in the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS, ≥62 years); and the longitudinal analyses were performed with 3870 (84.5%) in the WGDS and 420 (34.0%) in the CLHLS. Multivariable linear regression analyses were performed in both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. RESULTS: Cross-sectional studies showed that tea consumers tended to have higher SUA levels than non-tea consumers in all the three datasets (P < 0.05). However, longitudinal associations of SUA levels with tea consumption had no statistical significance (P>0.05). The results of sex-stratified analyses were consistent with those of the whole datasets. CONCLUSIONS: This work implied that any possible association between tea consumption and SUA levels could be very weak.

The effectiveness of massage on peri-operative anxiety in adults: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and controlled clinical trials.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: and purpose: Massage has gained increasing attention for reducing peri-operative anxiety. We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of massage for peri-operative anxiety in adults. METHODS: Six English electronic databases were comprehensively searched from their inception to February 2020. Subgroup analysis, quality assessment, sensitivity analysis, meta-regression and publication bias assessment were performed. RESULTS: Twenty-five controlled trials comprising 2494 participants were included. The meta-analysis indicated that massage could significantly reduce peri-operative anxiety for most types of surgical patients. Specifically, it was effective for pre-, intra- and post-operative anxiety. Acupoint or specific body reflex area massage showed a larger effect than general massage did. Massage delivered by professionals and non-professionals were both effective. Massage lasting 10-20 min per session was the most worthy of recommendation. Massage was concomitant with the improvement of peri-operative vital signs and post-operative pain. CONCLUSION: Massage is a promising complementary therapy for ameliorating peri-operative anxiety in adults.

Effect of the complete replacement of dietary fish meal by soybean meal on histopathology and immune response of the hindgut in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus).

A 14-day experiment was conducted to explore the pathological process and immune response of soybean meal (SBM) induced enteritis (SBMIE) in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus). The complete replacement of dietary fish meal (FM) with SBM resulted in a remarkable reduction in final body weight, weight gain ratio, and feed conversion efficiency (p < 0.05). The typical histopathological changes of SBMIE appeared starting at day 4, and progressively increased in severity until day 8, then gradually subsided after day 11. The course of SBMIE could be divided into incubation period (days 1-2), prodromal period (days 3-6), symptomatic period (days 7-10), and convalescent period (days 11-14). Transcription levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1ß, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17A/F1 and IFN-γ2, were up-regulated during the prodromal period, and then down-regulated during the convalescent period. Transcript levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and TGFß1) and their receptors (IL-10R1 and TßRII), were up-regulated during the prodromal and convalescent periods. Transcript levels of MHCIIß, Igµ, Igτ, TCRδ, TCRß, CD4, and CD8α were altered in SBMIE. Furthermore, expression levels of T-bet, IFN-γ2, RORγ2 and IL-17A/F1 were significantly increased in the initiation of enteritis, whereas the transcript levels of Foxp3 and IL-2/15Ra were significantly up-regulated in the repair of enteritis. In conclusion, grass carp SBMIE is regulated by the adjustment of SBM-based diet intake, and the changes of the above-mentioned genes expression suggest that these genes may be involved in SBMIE.

Complementary and alternative medicine for natural and treatment-induced vasomotor symptoms: An overview of systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Vasomotor symptoms (VMS) are very common in menopausal populations and cancer patients and can cause physical and mental discomfort. We aim to summarize the findings of systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRs/MAs) that assessed the effectiveness of complementary and alternative medicines(CAMs)on VMS to provide solid evidence for future practice. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched from inception to May 2019 to identify relevant SRs/MAs. The methodological quality of SRs/MAs and evidence levels of the outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 29 SRs/MAs were reviewed. Evidence has shown that acupuncture, hypnosis, paced respiration, cognitive behavioural therapy, genistein, soy isoflavones, S-equol, combined preparations of black cohosh, and omega-3 supplements could significantly reduce VMS. The methodological quality of the SRs/MAs was moderate or high. CONCLUSION: CAMs might be beneficial for reducing VMS, but the evidence levels were not high. Several priorities for future practice were identified.

Cordyceps militaris polysaccharides exerted protective effects on diabetic nephropathy in mice via regulation of autophagy.

The present study was designed to investigate the protective effects of Cordyceps militaris polysaccharides (CMP) on STZ-treated DN mice. CMP were identified by FT-IR and HPLC. Diabetic nephropathy (DN) was induced in male C57BL/6 mice by the injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 50 mg kg-1) in citrate buffer on 5 consecutive days. Administration of CMP at 200 and 400 mg kg-1 or irbesartan at 60 mg kg-1 in the STZ-treated mice could prevent the damage caused by STZ. CMP significantly reduced the STZ-induced higher expression of the kidney index, TC, TG, MDA, urinary protein, Scr, and BUN, while it markedly increased the STZ-induced decrease in GSH levels compared with the DN group. Histopathology analysis of the kidney by PAS, Masson, and HE staining confirmed the renal injury induced by STZ and the protective effects of CMP. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results confirmed the severe foot process effacement induced by STZ, but CMP treatment inhibited the podocytes' structure defects and ameliorated the function of podocytes. Desmin was measured by immunofluorescence and was related to podocyte injury. The results showed that CMP lessened the expression of desmin induced by STZ. CD68 expression was measured by immunohistochemistry analysis, and the expressions of IL-1ß, IL-6, and MCP-1 mRNA were measured by qRT-PCR. The results showed that CMP suppressed the expressions of CD68, IL-1ß, IL-6, and MCP-1 mRNA induced by STZ. The role of autophagy in the treatment of DN mice with CMP was detected by TEM and western blotting. The results showed that the administration of CMP was able to overcome the STZ-treated autophagy deficiency, significantly increase the rate of autophagy in the kidney, promote the expression of Atg5, beclin1 and LC3 protein, and reduce the expression of p62 protein. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that CMP exert a protective effect on DN in STZ-treated mice possibly via activation of autophagy.

Effects of exercise on pregnant women's quality of life: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: Exercise is a promising approach to improve the health of pregnant women. However, data from studies investigating exercise and the quality of life of pregnant women are inconsistent and, to date, no systematic review on this topic has been published. The aim of this review was to comprehensively assess the effects of exercise on pregnant women's quality of life, and to determine whether exercise positively affects quality of life in this population. STUDY DESIGN: Literature was retrieved from electronic databases, namely PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library, from inception to 30 October 2018. Clinical trials published in English evaluating the effects of exercise on pregnant women's quality of life were included. The authors assessed the risk of bias in all eligible studies using the Effective Public Health Practice Project, and used a qualitative synthesis method to identify the effects of exercise on pregnant women's quality of life. RESULTS: Thirteen studies were included. Exercise was divided into the following four modes: aerobic exercise, resistance exercise, a combination (aerobic and resistance exercises), and yoga or physical activity. Aerobic and resistance training had a mixed effect on pregnant women's quality of life, while the combination of aerobic and resistance exercises and yoga or physical activity resulted in significant improvements. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review is the first to suggest that group-based combined exercise and yoga or physical activity are associated with significant benefits related to improvements in pregnant women's quality of life. Furthermore, aerobic or resistance exercise could potentially improve pregnant women's quality of life. Therefore, it is recommended that medical service providers should pay more attention to the importance of exercise, and develop tailored exercise programmes to promote improvements in pregnant women's quality of life.

[Effect of short-day treatment on expression of CO gene in Chrysanthemum indicum].

This experiment studied the expression pattern of key gene CO in the photoperiod of Chrysanthemum indicum. The CDS sequence of the Ch. indicum CO gene was cloned by RT-PCR. The open reading frame was 1 380 bp in length and encoded 459 amino acids. The bioinformatics analysis results showed that the Ch. indicum CO had higher homology with Ch. lavandulifolium and Artemisia annua,and the CO was more conservative in the same family. The molecular weight of the predicted protein encode by CO is 52. 04 k Da,the p I is 4. 81,the α-helix structure accounted for 17. 65%,the random coil accounted for 76. 69%,the extension chain accounted for 5. 66%,there are no ß-fold and signal peptide. The experimental results showed that short-day treatment could increase the expression level of CO gene in Ch. indicum and induce its flowering. The results of qRT-PCR showed that the relative expression of CO gene in different tissues and different treatment periods of Ch. indicum was significantly different. In this paper,we studied the effect of short-day treatment on the expression of key genes in the flowering cycle of Ch. indicum,providing a basis for photoperiod regulation and harvesting period of Ch.indicum.

[Protective effects of LBP on cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury in mice and mechanism of inhibiting NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1ß].

To observe the protective effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) on cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury in mice and explore its mechanism. Common carotid artery thread was used to cause middle cerebral artery ischemia, and the thread was taken out after 2 h ischemia to achieve cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury in mice. Therefore, the transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) models were established to observe the effects of LBP (25,50, 100 mg•kg⁻¹) on neurological outcome, infarct size and water contents. HE staining was used to observe its effects on neurocytes of cerebral tissues in mice. Western blotting was used to evaluate the protein expression levels of NF-κB p65. ELISA was used to evaluate the levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1ß in the serum. According to the results, LBP markedly improved neurologic deficits, and decreased infarct size and water contents at 24 h after reperfusion in mice. Pathological section of brain tissues also proved its protective effects on neurocytes. Western blot analysis indicated that LBP markedly down-regulated the protein level of NF-κB p65. ELISA indicated that LBP decreased the levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1ß in the serum 24 h after reperfusion.In conclusion, LBP has protective effects on cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury in mice, and this effect may be associated with inhibiting NF-κB and inflammatory reactions.

Raman spectroscopy in quality control of Chinese herbal medicine.

BACKGROUND: Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) is of noteworthy international interest due to its potential impact on healthcare and manifests numerous opportunities for new drug development. However, solid scientific evidence is still lacking regarding the safety, efficacy, and quality of CHM-derived medicines. Success in the modernization and globalization of CHM is heavily dependent on the achievements in advanced analytical techniques for in-line checks of CHM quality. Raman spectroscopy has become increasingly valued as an analytical technique in the pharmaceutical sector because it can provide a detailed chemical fingerprint. However, earlier research suggests that inadequate attention has been paid to the applications of Raman spectroscopy in CHM. METHODS: Chinese and English literatures were reviewed via PubMed and Medicine databases, and through manual searches using keywords including traditional Chinese medicines, herbs, quality control, and Raman spectroscopy. RESULTS: Applications of Raman spectroscopy in various aspects of CHM, including the identification and analysis of raw materials, in-line checks of formulation, characterization of adulterants, and detection of counterfeits, were reviewed systematically. CONCLUSION: An updated systematic review of the published literature has been conducted to analyze the most important milestones and latest achievements in this topic. Raman spectroscopy is playing an increasingly important role in the quality control of CHM and effectively promotes the modernization of CHM.

Dietary supplementation with mulberry leaf flavonoids inhibits methanogenesis in sheep.

The effects of flavonoids on methanogenesis and microbial flora in Dorper × thin-tailed Han crossbred ewes were evaluated in two experiments. To investigate the effects of flavonoids on nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance, 18 ewes (60.0 ± 1.73 kg body weight (BW)) were allotted to two dietary treatments in experiment one, a control diet and the control diet supplemented with flavonoids (2 g/head/day). In experiment two, the effects of supplementary flavonoids on ruminal fermentation and microbial flora were investigated using quantitative polymerase chain reaction with six ewes (67.2 ± 0.79 kg BW) with ruminal cannula assigned to the identical dietary treatments used in experiment one. Supplementary flavonoids improved the apparent digestibility of nitrogen (N, P < 0.001) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF, P = 0.024) and decreased daily CH4 output (P < 0.001). The ruminal pH (P = 0.638) and ammonia (P = 0.690) were not affected by supplementary flavonoids, whereas the total volatile fatty acid (VFA) content increased (P = 0.037). Supplementary flavonoids decreased ruminal populations of protozoans (P = 0.002) and methanogens (P < 0.001) and increased the populations of Fibrobacter succinogenes (P = 0.016). In conclusion, flavonoids improved the digestibility of organic matter and reduced CH4 output by inhibiting the populations of microbes involved in methanogenesis.

[In vitro anti-tumor effect of human dendritic cells vaccine induced by astragalus polysacharin: an experimental study].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the in vitro anti-tumor effect and mechanism of dendritic cell (DC) tumor vaccine induced by astragalus polysacharin (APS). METHODS: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from human peripheral blood. DCs obtained from human peripheral blood were cultivated and added with culture solution for in vitro inducing them to immature DCs. On the 5th day of culture, 100 microg/mL (as the final concentration) APS was added to cells in the APS group. DCs were induced to mature in the cytokine groups by adding 20 ng/mL rhTNF-alpha (as the final concentration). Changes of morphology and phenotype of DCs were observed. Mature DCs were sensitized with tumor antigen SGC-7901 and co-cultured with allogeneic T cells. The proliferative function of T lymphocytes was detected by MTT assay. Levels of IL-12 and IFN-gamma in co-cultured supernatant were detected by ELISA. Cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTL) activated by DC were co-cultured with tumor cell SGC-7901. The specific killing capacity of CTL to target cells was detected by LDH release assay. RESULTS: The morphological observation and phenotypic identification of APS induced DCs were in accordance with the characteristics of mature DCs. APS induced mature DCs could stimulate the proliferation of allogeneic T lymphocytes. The proliferation index of T cells increased with increased ratio of stimulator cells to effector cells (P < 0.05). Levels of IL-12 and IFN-gamma in co-culture supernatant significantly increased in a time-dependent manner (P < 0.05). CTL cells activated by sensitization of DCs could significantly kill tumor cells, and the killing effect increased along with increased effector-to-target ratio. CONCLUSION: APS could in vitro induce DCs to mature, promote its antigen-presenting capacity, effectively activate CTLs, and enhance anti-tumor function of the organism.

Free radical biology of the cardiovascular system.

Most cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), as well as age-related cardiovascular alterations, are accompanied by increases in oxidative stress, usually due to increased generation and/or decreased metabolism of ROS (reactive oxygen species; for example superoxide radicals) and RNS (reactive nitrogen species; for example peroxynitrite). The superoxide anion is generated by several enzymatic reactions, including a variety of NADPH oxidases and uncoupled eNOS (endothelial NO synthase). To relieve the burden caused by this generation of free radicals, which also occurs as part of normal physiological processes, such as mitochondrial respiratory chain activity, mammalian systems have developed endogenous antioxidant enzymes. There is an increased usage of exogenous antioxidants such as vitamins C and E by many patients and the general public, ostensibly in an attempt to supplement intrinsic antioxidant activity. Unfortunately, the results of large-scale trails do not generate much enthusiasm for the continued use of antioxidants to mitigate free-radical-induced changes in the cardiovascular system. In the present paper, we review the clinical use of antioxidants by providing the rationale for their use and describe the outcomes of several large-scale trails that largely display negative outcomes. We also describe the emerging understanding of the detailed regulation of superoxide generation by an uncoupled eNOS and efforts to reverse eNOS uncoupling. SIRT1 (sirtuin 1), which regulates the expression and activity of multiple pro- and anti-oxidant enzymes, could be considered a candidate molecule for a 'molecular switch'.

[Study on the chemical constituents of Rhizoma Cyperi].

OBJECTIVE: To study the chemical constituents of Rhizoma Cyperi. METHODS: The constituents were separated and purified by silica gel column chromatography, their structures were identified on the basis of physico-chemical properties and spectral data. RESULTS: Six compounds were isolated and identified as physicion (1), hexadecanoic acid (2), beta-sitosterol (3), stigmasterol (4), catenarin (5), daucosterol (6). CONCLUSION: Compounds 1, 4, 5 were isolated from this plant for the first fime.