Liquiritin targeting Th17 cells differentiation and abnormal proliferation of keratinocytes alleviates psoriasis via NF-κB and AP-1 pathway.

Psoriasis is a common immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease, caused by disturbed interactions between keratinocytes and immune cells. Chinese medicine shows potential clinical application for its treatment. Liquiritin is a flavone compound extracted from licorice and shows potential antitussive, antioxidant and antiinflammatory effects, and therefore may have potential as a psoriasis therapeutic. The aim of this work was to examine the possible roles that liquiritin may have in treating psoriasis. HaCaT cells were stimulated by TNF-α with or without liquiritin, harvested for analysis by western blots and RT-qPCR, and the cellular supernatants were collected and analyzed by ELISA for cytokines. In addition, 4 groups of mice were examined: Normal, Vehicle, LQ-L and LQ-H. The mice were sacrificed after 6 days and analyzed using IHC, ELISA, RT-qPCR and flow cytometry. The results showed that liquiritin could significantly inhibit the progression of psoriasis both in vitro and in vivo. Liquiritin strongly suppressed the proliferation of HaCaT keratinocytes but did not affect cell viability. Moreover, liquiritin alleviated imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin inflammation and accumulation of Th17 cells and DCs in vivo. In TNF-α-induced HaCaT keratinocytes, both protein and mRNA expression levels of inflammatory cytokines were sharply decreased. In imiquimod-induced mice, the activation of NF-κB and AP-1 was reduced after treatment with liquiritin. Collectively, our results show that liquiritin might act as a pivotal regulator of psoriasis via modulating NF-κB and AP-1 signal pathways.

Assessing the Impact of Prone Positioning on Mortality and Adverse Events Among Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis.

Background: Prone positioning has evolved as a therapeutic intervention for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). ARDS remains a critical condition, with a mortality rate of approximately 40%. Prone positioning, which involves placing patients in a face-down position, has the potential to enhance gas exchange and improve lung mechanics, possibly leading to better patient outcomes. Objectives: This comprehensive review aims to evaluate the impact of prone positioning on mortality (primary outcome) and the occurrence of adverse events (secondary outcome) in patients with ARDS compared to conventional supine positioning. Methods: We conducted an extensive systematic review, including studies published from 2000 to 2022. We searched databases including PUBMED, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and WEB OF SCIENCE. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the outcomes of patients with ARDS in prone and supine positions were included. We employed the Cochrane risk of bias instrument to assess the methodological quality of the included RCTs. Results: Our review included a total of twelve RCTs involving 2736 patients, with 1401 patients in the prone position. The meta-analysis demonstrated a lower mortality rate among patients in the prone position compared to those in the supine position (odds ratio [OR], 0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.52-0.98; P = .04). Notably, there was a higher incidence of pressure sores in patients placed in the prone position (OR, 0.15; 95% CI, 0.09-0.20) compared to those in the supine position. However, there were no statistically significant differences in the occurrence of arrhythmias, unplanned extubation, or pneumothorax between the two positioning strategies. Conclusions: Prone positioning offers potential benefits for patients with ARDS by reducing mortality rates. However, it is important to note that there is an associated risk of pressure sores. Further research and clinical consideration are needed to optimize the use of prone positioning in ARDS management.

[Recent advances in nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis].

Rheumatoid arthritis(RA) is a widely prevalent autoimmune inflammatory disease that severely affects patients' quality of life. Currently, conventional formulations against RA have several limitations, such as nonspecificity, poor efficacy, large drug dosages, frequent administration, and systemic side effects. Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems have emerged as a promising stra-tegy for the diagnosis and treatment of RA since nanotechnology can overcome the limitations of traditional treatments and simplify the complexity of the disease. These systems enable targeted delivery of anti-inflammatory drugs to the inflamed areas through active and passive targeting, achieving specificity to the joints, overcoming the need for increased dosage and administration frequency, and reducing associated adverse reactions. This article aimed to review nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems in the field of RA and elucidate how nanosystems can be utilized to deliver therapeutic drugs to inflamed joints for controlling RA progression. By discussing the current issues and challenges faced by nanodrug delivery systems and highlighting the urgent need for solutions, this article offers theoretical support for further research on nanotechnology-based co-delivery systems in the future.

Neurological Dysfunction and Serum Levels of IL-6 and IL-1ß in Patients Undergoing Isoflurane Inhalation Anesthesia: A Correlation Study.

Objective: This study aims to explore the association between neurological dysfunction and serum levels of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) in patients undergoing isoflurane inhalation anesthesia. Methods: This prospective observational study enrolled a total of 88 patients who underwent isoflurane anesthesia, between April 2019 and April 2020 in our hospital's operating room. The Mini-Mental State Examination scale (MMSE) was administered on the first preoperative day (T0), the 1st postoperative day (T1), the 3rd postoperative day (T2), and the 7th postoperative day (T3). Based on the MMSE score obtained on the 1st postoperative day, patients were categorized into the neurological dysfunction group (n = 23) and the normal group (n = 65). Serum levels of IL-6 and IL-1ß were measured at T0, T1, T2, and T3, and their relationship with MMSE scores was analyzed. Results: Compared to the normal group, the neurological dysfunction group exhibited significantly higher levels of serum IL-6 and IL-1ß at all time points except T0, accompanied by notably lower MMSE scores (P < .001). Combined diagnostic parameters, including area under the curve (AUC) value, sensitivity, and specificity, showed improved performance compared to individual tests. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a negative correlation between serum IL-6 and IL-1ß levels and MMSE scores (r = -0.719, -0.408, all P < .05). Conclusions: Our findings highlight a correlation between neurological dysfunction and serum IL-6 and IL-1ß levels in patients undergoing isoflurane inhalation anesthesia. These cytokines could serve as valuable indicators for the early detection of neurological dysfunction following anesthesia.

Glutamine ameliorates Bungarus multicinctus venom-induced lung and heart injury through HSP70: NF-κB p65 and P53/PUMA signaling pathways involved.

Background: Bungarus multicinctus is one of the most dangerous venomous snakes prone to cardiopulmonary damage with extremely high mortality. In our previous work, we found that glutamine (Gln) and glutamine synthetase (GS) in pig serum were significantly reduced after Bungarus multicinctus bite. In the present study, to explore whether there is a link between the pathogenesis of cardiopulmonary injury and Gln metabolic changes induced by Bungarus multicinctus venom. We investigated the effect of Gln supplementation on the lung and heart function after snakebite. Methods: We supplemented different concentrations of Gln to mice that were envenomated by Bungarus multicinctus to observe the biological behavior, survival rate, hematological and pathological changes. Gln was supplemented immediately or one hour after the venom injection, and then changes in Gln metabolism were analyzed. Subsequently, to further explore the protective mechanism of glutamine on tissue damage, we measured the expression of heat-shock protein70 (HSP70), NF-κB P65, P53/PUMA by western blotting and real-time polymerase in the lung and heart. Results: Gln supplementation delayed the envenoming symptoms, reduced mortality, and alleviated the histopathological changes in the heart and lung of mice bitten by Bungarus multicinctus. Additionally, Gln increased the activity of glutamine synthetase (GS), glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) and glutaminase (GLS) in serum. It also balanced the transporter SLC7A11 expression in heart and lung tissues. Bungarus multicinctus venom induced the NF-κB nuclear translocation in the lung, while the HO-1 expression was suppressed. At the same time, venom activated the P53/PUMA signaling pathway and the BAX expression in the heart. Gln treatment reversed the above phenomenon and increased HSP70 expression. Conclusion: Gln alleviated the glutamine metabolism disorder and cardiopulmonary damage caused by Bungarus multicinctus venom. It may protect lungs and heart against venom by promoting the expression of HSP70, inhibiting the activation of NF-κB and P53/PUMA, thereby delaying the process of snake venom and reducing mortality. The present results indicate that Gln could be a potential treatment for Bungarus multicinctus bite.

Dachengqi Decoction alleviates intestinal inflammation in ovalbumin-induced asthma by reducing group 2 innate lymphoid cells in a microbiota-dependent manner.

Background and aim: Dachengqi Decoction (DCQD) as a classic traditional Chinese medicine has been reported to be effective in treating asthma, but its mechanism remains unknown. This study aimed to reveal the mechanisms of DCQD on the intestinal complications of asthma mediated by group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) and intestinal microbiota. Experimental procedure: Ovalbumin (OVA) was used to construct asthmatic murine models. IgE, cytokines (e.g., IL-4, IL-5), fecal water content, colonic length, histopathologic appearance, and gut microbiota were evaluated in asthmatic mice treated with DCQD. Finally, we administered DCQD to antibiotic-treated asthmatic mice to measure the ILC2 in the small intestine and colon. Results and conclusion: DCQD decreased pulmonary IgE, IL-4, and IL-5 levels in asthmatic mice. The fecal water content, the colonic length weight loss, and the epithelial damage of jejunum, ileum, and colon of asthmatic mice were ameliorated by DCQD. Meanwhile, DCQD greatly improved intestinal dysbiosis by enriching Allobaculum, Romboutsia and Turicibacter in the whole intestine, and Lactobacillus gasseri only in the colon. However, DCQD caused less abundant Faecalibaculum and Lactobacillus vaginalis in the small intestine of asthmatic mice. A higher ILC2 proportion in different gut segments of asthmatic mice was reversed by DCQD. Finally, significant correlations appeared between DCQD-mediated specific bacteria and cytokines (e.g., IL-4, IL-5) or ILC2. These findings indicate that DCQD alleviated the concurrent intestinal inflammation in OVA-induced asthma by decreasing the excessive accumulation of intestinal ILC2 in a microbiota-dependent manner across different gut locations.

[Application of microneedle-assisted percutaneous drug delivery system in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis:a review].

Rheumatoid arthritis(RA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease characterized by inflammation. Due to the complex causes, no specific therapy is available. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents and corticosteroids are often used(long-term, oral/injection) to interfere with related pathways for reducing inflammatory response and delaying the progression of RA, which, however, induce many side effects. Microneedle, an emerging transdermal drug delivery system, is painless and less invasive and improves drug permeability. Thus, it is widely used in the treatment of RA and is expected to be a new strategy in clinical treatment. This paper summarized the application of microneedles in the treatment of RA, providing a reference for the development of new microneedles and the expansion of its clinical application.

[Mechanism of Linderae Radix against gastric cancer based on network pharmacology and in vitro experimental validation].

The present study explored the main active ingredients and the underlying mechanism of Linderae Radix the treatment of gastric cancer by network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vitro cell experiments. TCMSP, OMIM and GeneCards database were used to obtain the active ingredients of Linderae Radix to predict the related targets of both Linderae Radix and gastric cancer. After screening the common potential action targets, the STRING database was used to construct the PPI network for protein interaction of the two common targets. Enrichment analysis of GO and KEGG by DAVID database. Based on STRING and DAVID platform data, Cytoscape software was used to construct an "active ingredient-target" network and an "active ingredient-target-pathway" network. Molecular docking was performed using the AutoDock Vina to predict the binding of the active components to the key action targets, and finally the key targets and pathways were verified in vitro. According to the prediction results, there were 9 active components, 179 related targets of Radix Linderae, 107 common targets of Linderae Radix and gastric cancer, 693 biological processes, 57 cell compositions, and 129 molecular functions involved in the targets, and 161 signaling pathways involved in tumor antigen p53, hypoxia-indu-cible factor 1, etc. Molecular docking results showed that the core component, jimadone, had high binding activity with TP53. Finally, in an in vitro experiment, the screened radix linderae active ingredient gemmadone is used for preliminarily verifying the core targets and pathways of the human gastric cancer cell SGC-7901, The results showed that germacrone could significantly inhibit the proliferation of gastric cancer cells and induce the apoptosis of SGC-7901 by regulating the expression of p53, Bax, Bcl-2 and other key proteins. In summary, Radix Linderae can control the occurrence and development of gastric cancer through multi-components, multi-targets and multi-pathways, which will provide theoretical basis for further clinical discussion on the mechanism of Radix Linderae in treating gastric cancer.

Qingchang Wenzhong Decoction Alleviates DSS-Induced Inflammatory Bowel Disease by Inhibiting M1 Macrophage Polarization In Vitro and In Vivo.

Background: An imbalance of macrophage M1/M2 polarization significantly influences the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease. Qingchang Wenzhong decoction (QCWZD) has a proven therapeutic effect on patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and can significantly inhibit the inflammatory response in mice with colitis. However, its effect on macrophages during IBD treatment remains nebulous. Aim of the Study. Explore the mechanism underlying QCWZD effects in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model in vivo and RAW264.7 cell in vitro by observing macrophage polarization dynamics. Methods: The main active components of QCWZD were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. Surface marker expression on M1-type macrophages was analyzed using flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. The effect on inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) released by M1 type macrophages was determined using ELSA and RT-PCR. The expression of key proteins in the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway was analyzed using western blotting. QCWZD cytotoxicity in macrophages was measured using CCK8 and Annexin V-FITC/PI assays. Results: The main active components of QCWZD were berberine chloride, coptisine chloride, epiberberine chloride, gallic acid, ginsenoside Rg1, ginsenoside Rb1, indigo, indirubin, notoginsenoside R1, palmatine chloride, and 6-curcumin. QCWZD markedly alleviated DSS-induced colitis in mice, as revealed by the rescued weight loss and disease activity index, attenuated the colonic shortening and mucosal injury associated with the inhibition of M1 macrophage polarization and expression of related cytokines, such as IL-6 and TNF-α, in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, QCWZD decreased the iNOS, JAK2, and STAT3 levels in vivo and in vitro, regulating the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Conclusion: QCWZD administration improves intestinal inflammation by inhibiting M1 macrophage polarization. The JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway may mediate the effects of QCWZD on M1 macrophage polarization in colitis treatment. This study presents a novel macrophage-mediated therapeutic strategy for the treatment of IBD.

Network Pharmacology Analysis, Molecular Docking, and In Vitro Verification Reveal the Action Mechanism of Prunella vulgaris L. in Treating Breast Cancer.

Background: Prunella vulgaris L. is effective in the treatment of breast cancer (BRCA); however, the underlying mechanism is still unclear. The aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanism of treatment of BRCA by P. vulgaris using network pharmacology and molecular docking technology, and to verify the experimental results using human BRCA MDA-MB-231 cells. Methods: Active components and action targets of P. vulgaris were determined using the TCMSP™, SwissTarget Prediction™, and TargetNet™ databases. GeneCards™ and OMIM™ provided BRCA targets. After obtaining common targets, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING™ database, and Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were conducted using the Xiantao™ academic database. Cytoscape™ was used to construct "single drug-disease-component-target" and "single drug-disease-component-target-pathway" networks. The Human Protein Atlas™ was used to determine protein expression levels in BRCA cell lines. AutoDock tools™ were used to carry out molecular docking for the first 10 targets of quercetin and the PPI network. Finally, the abovementioned results were verified using cell experiments. Results: We obtained 11 active components, 198 targets, and 179 common targets, including DUOX2, MET, TOP2A, and ERBB3. The results of KEGG pathway analysis screened 188 related signaling pathways and indicated the potential key role of PI3K-Akt and MAPK signaling pathways in the antibreast cancer process of P. vulgaris. The results of molecular docking showed that the first 10 targets of quercetin interacted well with the protein network. Cell experiments showed that quercetin effectively inhibited the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells by regulating apoptosis and cell cycle, which may be partly related to the MAPK signaling pathway. Conclusion: Synergistic effects of multiple components, targets, and pathways on the anti-BRCA activity of P. vulgaris could provide a theoretical basis for further study on its complex anti-BRCA mechanism.

[Sagittaria sagittifolia polysaccharides regulates Nrf2/HO-1 to relieve liver injury caused by multiple heavy metals in vivo and in vitro].

This study explored whether Sagittaria sagittifolia polysaccharides(SSP) activates the nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor2(Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) signaling pathway to protect against liver damage jointly induced by multiple heavy metals. First, based on the proportion of dietary intake of six heavy metals in rice available in Beijing market, a heavy metal mixture was prepared for inducing mouse liver injury and HepG2 cell injury. Forty male Kunming mice were divided into five groups: control group, model group, glutathione positive control group, and low-and high-dose SSP groups, with eight mice in each group. After 30 days of intragastric administration, the liver injury in mice was observed by HE staining. In the in vitro experiment, MTT assay was conducted to detect the effects of SSP at 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2 mg·mL~(-1) on HepG2 cell survival at different time points. The content of alanine transaminase(ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase(AST) in the 48-h cell culture fluid was measured using micro-plate cultivation method, followed by the detection of the change in reactive oxygen species(ROS) content by flow cytometry. The mRNA expression levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 in cells were determined by RT-PCR, and their protein expression by Western blot. HE staining results showed that compared with the model group, the SSP administration groups exhibited significantly alleviated inflammatory cell infiltration and fatty infiltration in the liver, with better outcomes observed in the high-dose SSP group. In the in vitro MTT assay, compared with the model group, SSP at four concentrations all significantly increased the cell survival rate, decreased the ALT, AST, and ROS content(P<0.05), and down-regulated Nrf2 and HO-1 mRNA and protein expression(P<0.05). SSP significantly improves inflammatory infiltration in the liver tissue of mice exposed to a variety of heavy metals and corrects the liver fat degeneration, which may be related to its regulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, reduction of ROS, and alleviation of oxidative damage.

Gegen Qinlian Decoction Alleviates Experimental Colitis and Concurrent Lung Inflammation by Inhibiting the Recruitment of Inflammatory Myeloid Cells and Restoring Microbial Balance.

OBJECTIVE: Ulcerative colitis (UC) as one of the intractable diseases in gastroenterology seriously threatens human health. Respiratory pathology is a representative extraintestinal manifestation of UC affecting the quality of life of patients. Gegen Qinlian Decoction (GQD) is a classical traditional Chinese medicine prescription for UC or acute lung injury. This study was aimed to reveal the therapeutic effect of GQD on UC and its pulmonary complications and uncover its molecular mechanism mediated by myeloid cells and microbiota. METHODS: Mice with DSS-induced colitis were orally administrated with GQD. Overall vital signs were assessed by body weight loss and disease activity index (DAI). Pulmonary general signs were evaluated by pulmonary pathology and lung function. The mechanism of GQD relieving UC was characterized by detecting myeloid cells (neutrophils, macrophages, inflammatory monocytes, and resident monocytes) in colonic and lung tissues, related inflammatory cytokines, as well as the microbiota in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and feces. RESULTS: GQD significantly reduced weight loss, DAI scores, and lung injury but improved the lung function of colitis mice. The DSS-induced colonic and concurrent pulmonary inflammation were also alleviated by GQD, as indicated by the down-regulated expressions of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, CCR2, and CCL2) and the suppressed recruitment of neutrophils and inflammatory monocytes. Meanwhile, GQD greatly improved intestinal microbiota imbalance by enriching Ruminococcaceae UCG-013 while decreasing Parabacteroides, [Eubacterium]_fissicatena_group, and Akkermansia in the feces of colitis mice. Expectantly, GQD also restored lung microbiota imbalance by clearing excessive Coprococcus 2 and Ochrobactrum in the BALF of colitis mice. Finally, significant correlations appeared between GQD-mediated specific bacteria and inflammatory cytokines or immune cells. CONCLUSION: GQD could alleviate UC by decreasing excessive inflammatory myeloid cells and cytokines, and reshaping the microbiota between the colon and lung, which contributes to clarifying the mechanism by which GQD ameliorates colitis-associated pulmonary inflammation.

Xuanbai Chengqi Decoction Ameliorates Pulmonary Inflammation via Reshaping Gut Microbiota and Rectifying Th17/Treg Imbalance in a Murine Model of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

PURPOSE: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a prevalent obstructive airway disease, has become the third most common cause of death globally. Xuanbai Chengqi decoction (XBCQ) is a traditional Chinese medicine prescription for the acute exacerbation of COPD. Here, we aimed to reveal the therapeutic effects of XBCQ administration and its molecular mechanisms mediated by Th17/Treg balance and gut microbiota. METHODS: We determined the counts of Th17 and Treg cells in the serum of 15 COPD and 10 healthy subjects. Then, cigarette smoke extract-induced COPD mice were gavaged with low, middle, and high doses of XBCQ, respectively. Weight loss, pulmonary function and inflammation, Th17/Treg ratio, and gut microbiota were measured to evaluate the efficacy of XBCQ on COPD. RESULTS: COPD patients had a higher Th17/Treg ratio in the serum than healthy controls, which was consistent with the results in the lung and colon of COPD mice. The middle dose of XBCQ (M-XBCQ) significantly decreased the weight loss and improved the pulmonary function (FEV0.2/FVC) in COPD mice. Moreover, M-XBCQ alleviated lung inflammation by rectifying the Th17/Treg imbalance, reducing the expressions of TNF-α, IL-1ß, and MMP-9, and suppressing inflammatory cells infiltration. Meanwhile, M-XBCQ greatly improved the microbial homeostasis in COPD mice by accumulating probiotic Gordonibacter and Akkermansia but inhibiting the growth of pathogenic Streptococcus, which showed significant correlations with pulmonary injury. CONCLUSION: Oral M-XBCQ could alleviate COPD exacerbations by reshaping the gut microbiota and improving the Th17/Treg balance, which aids in elucidating the mechanism through which XBCQ as a therapy for COPD.

ROS-Responsive Nanoparticle as a Berberine Carrier for OHC-Targeted Therapy of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss.

Overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammation are two key pathogeneses of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), which leads to outer hair cell (OHC) damage and hearing loss. In this work, we successfully developed ROS-responsive nanoparticles as berberine (BBR) carriers (PL-PPS/BBR) for OHC-targeted therapy of NIHL: Prestin-targeting peptide 2 (PrTP2)-modified nanoparticles (PL-PPS/BBR), which effectively accumulated in OHC areas, and poly(propylene sulfide)120 (PPS120), which scavenged ROS and converted to poly(propylene sulfoxide)120 in a ROS environment to disintegrate and provoke the rapid release of BBR with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. In this study, satisfactory anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of PL-PPS/BBR were confirmed. Immunofluorescence and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed that PL-PPS/BBR effectively accumulated in OHCs and protected the morphological integrity of OHCs. The auditory brainstem response (ABR) results demonstrated that PL-PPS/BBR significantly improved hearing in NIHL guinea pigs after noise exposure. This work suggested that PL-PPS/BBR may be a new potential treatment for noise-associated injury with clinical application.

Allium tuberosum alleviates pulmonary inflammation by inhibiting activation of innate lymphoid cells and modulating intestinal microbiota in asthmatic mice.

OBJECTIVE: This study tests whether long-term intake of Allium tuberosum (AT) can alleviate pulmonary inflammation in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthmatic mice and evaluates its effect on the intestinal microbiota and innate lymphoid cells (ILCs). METHODS: BALB/c mice were divided into three groups: phosphate buffer saline, OVA and OVA + AT. The asthmatic murine model was established by sensitization and challenge of OVA in the OVA and OVA + AT groups. AT was given to the OVA + AT group by oral gavage from day 0 to day 27. On day 28, mice were sacrificed. Histopathological evaluation of lung tissue was performed using hematoxylin and eosin, and periodic acid-Schiff staining. The levels of IgE in serum, interleukin-5 (IL-5) and IL-13 from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The ILCs from the lung and gut were detected by flow cytometry. 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing was used to analyze the differences in colon microbiota among treatment groups. RESULTS: We found that long-term intake of AT decreased the number of inflammatory cells from BALF, reduced the levels of IL-5 and IL-13 in BALF, and IgE level in serum, and rescued pulmonary histopathology with less mucus secretion in asthmatic mice. 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing results showed that AT strongly affected the colonic bacteria community structure in asthmatic mice, although it had no significant effect on the abundance and diversity of the microbiota. Ruminococcaceae and Desulfovibrionaceae were identified as two biomarkers of the treatment effect of AT. Moreover, AT decreased the numbers of ILCs in both the lung and gut of asthmatic mice. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that AT inhibits pulmonary inflammation, possibly by impeding the activation of ILCs and adjusting the homeostasis of gut microbiota in asthmatic mice.

A method to induce human cortical long-term potentiation by acoustic stimulation.

OBJECT: Acoustic stimulation induced LTP in the human auditory cortex was successfully recorded for the first time by electroencephalography (EEG) using a stimulus of 1 kHz pure-tone in 2005. However, it was barely reproduced, given considerable challenges to reliably elicit and accurately record the enhanced potentials in vivo. The purpose of this paper was to explore whether acoustic stimuli other than 1 kHz pure-tone could generate LTP or not. MEASURES: To answer this question, we proposed a tetanic-stimulation paradigm of pure-tones, narrow-band noises (NBNs) and white noise (WN) to elicit LTP in human subjects. RESULTS: The results showed that pure-tones with different frequency could elicit LTP in human auditory cortex, and proved for the first time that NBNs and WN could also achieve the same goal. Interestingly, it was also shown that the noises with certain bandwidth induced the greatest LTP and the WN induced LTP had the least variation over time and across subjects in comparison with pure-tones and NBNs. CONCLUSIONS: In light of the results, we suggested to use the paradigm for broader studies of human in vivo cortical plasticity.

[The anesthesiologic value of transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation combined with general intravenous anesthesia in endoscopic thyroidectomy patients: a clinical study].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical anesthesia value of transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation (TAES) combined with general intravenous anesthesia in endoscopic bilateral thyroidectomy patients. METHODS: Totally 60 patients who underwent endoscopic bilateral thyroidectomy were equally randomly assigned to 2 groups, the treatment group and the control group, 30 in each group. Patients in the treatment group received TAES combined general intravenous anesthesia, while those in the control group received total intravenous anesthesia. Anesthesia was maintained by target controlled infusion of propofolum combined constant speed infusion of remifentanil in the two groups. TAES was maintained from 30 min before anesthesia induction to the end of endoscopic thyroidectomy at bilateral Hegu (L14) and Neiguan (PC6). The mean artery pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded at different time points of anesthesia, i.e., immediately after entry into the operating room (TO), immediately after intubation (T1), 5 min after intubation (T2), 5 min before incision (T3), 5 min after incision (T4), 30 min after inflation (T5), at the end of surgery (T6), 5 min before extubation (T7), immediately after extubation 0 (T8), and 5 min after extubation (T9). The concentration of IL-6 and TNF-alpha were measured at TO, T3, T5, and T6. The target concentration of propofol was also recorded at T3, T4, and T5. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference in the operation time between the two groups (P >0.05). Compared with TO in the same group, HR at T3-T4 decreased and increased at T8-T9, and MAP increased at T7-T9 in the treatment group; HR decreased at T3 and increased at T7-T9, MAP increased at T1, T5, T7-T9, and MAP decreased at T2-T3 in the control group. IL-6 increased at T5-T6, while TNF-alpha decreased at T6 in the two groups (P <0.01,P <0.05). Compared with the control group at the same time point, HR decreased at T6-T9, MAP decreased at T1, T4, T5, T7-T9, MAP increased at T3, and IL-6 decreased at T5-T6 in the treatment group (P <0. 05). The concentration and the total amount of propofol were significantly lower in the treatment group than in the control group (P <0.01,P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: TAES could maintain the hemodynamics more stably and inhibit the stress response in endoscopic thyroidectomy. It also reduce the dosage of anesthetics and improve the safety of anesthesia.

Evaluation of transcutaneous electroacupoint stimulation with the train-of-four mode for preventing nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of transcutaneous electroacupoint stimulation with a train-of-four (TOF) mode for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in the patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: Ninety-six ASA Grade I - II patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomized into Neiguan (P6) electroacupoint stimulation group (treated group) and a placebo control group (placement of electrodes without electroacupoint stimulation). The anesthetic regimen was standardized by needling at Neiguan on the left side and connecting the TOF peripheral nerve stimulator. The incidence of nausea, vomiting, severity, antiemetic dosage and the degree of pain were assessed at 0, 60, 120 min, and 24 h after surgery. RESULTS: The incidence of nausea and vomiting, the dose of antiemetics and the occurrence of severe nausea were all significantly lower in the treated group compared with the control group and the score for pain was obviously reduced in patients of the treated group at 24 h post-operation (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Transcutaneous electroacupoint stimulation at P6 with the TOF mode could reduce the incidence and severity of nausea and vomiting with analgesic effects.

[Effect of electroacupuncture on bispectral index of electroencephalography in patients undergoing subtotal thyroidectomy].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture on bispectral index (BIS) of electroencephalography in patients undergoing subtotal thyroidectomy. METHODS: Sixty patients were equally randomized into group A given electroacupuncture combined with cervical plexus block (CPB) and group B given CPB alone. After needling sensation was reached in bilateral "Hegu" and "Neiguan" acupoints, 5 min of high frequency electrical stimulation by electrical stimulation device followed with CPB was applied to group A, while only CPB was performed in group B. Visual analog scale (VAS) and verbal stress scale (VSS) were monitored, complication and adverse reaction were observed and BIS, mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR) and arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) were monitored continuously in the perioperative period. RESULTS: HR increased and BIS decreased in group A, both were lower significantly than those in group B (P < 0.01); MAP, the complementary dosage of fentanyl and lidocaine used and scores of VAS and VSS were also lower in group A than those in group B (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Electroacupuncture could enhance the anesthetic effect of CPB, lower the BIS value during subtotal thyroidectomy.