Dietary vitamin A modifies the gut microbiota and intestinal tissue transcriptome, impacting intestinal permeability and the release of inflammatory factors, thereby influencing Aß pathology.

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder with no effective interventions for curing or modifying its progression. However, emerging research suggests that vitamin A in the diet may play a role in both the prevention and treatment of AD, although the exact mechanisms are not fully understood. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the dietary vitamin A modifies the gut microbiota and intestinal tissue transcriptome, impacting intestinal permeability and the release of inflammatory factors, thereby influencing Aß pathology shedding light on its potential as a dietary intervention for AD prevention and treatment. Methods: The APP/PS1-AD mouse model was employed and divided into three dietary groups: vitamin A-deficient (VAD), normal vitamin A (VAN), and vitamin A-supplemented (VAS) for a 12-week study. Neurobehavioral functions were assessed using the Morris Water Maze Test (MWM). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to quantify levels of Diamine Oxidase (DAO), D-lactate, IL-6, IL-1ß, and TNF-a cytokines. Serum vitamin A levels were analyzed via LC-MS/MS analysis. Immunohistochemical analysis and morphometry were performed to evaluate the deposition of Aß in brain tissue. The gut microbiota of APP/PS1 mice was analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing analysis. Additionally, transcriptomic analysis was conducted on intestinal tissue from APP/PS1 mice. Results: No significant changes in food intake and body weight were observed among the groups. However, the VAD and VAS groups showed reduced food intake compared to the VAN group at various time points. In terms of cognitive function, the VAN group performed better in the Morris Water Maze Test, indicating superior learning and memory abilities. The VAD and VAS groups exhibited impaired performance, with the VAS group performing relatively better than the VAD group. Serum vitamin A concentrations differed significantly among the groups, with the VAS group having the highest concentration. Aß levels were significantly higher in the VAD group compared to both the VAN and VAS groups. Microbial analysis revealed that the VAS and VAN groups had higher microbial diversity than the VAD group, with specific taxa characterizing each group. The VAN group was characterized by taxa such as Actinohacteriota and Desulfovibrionaceae, while the VAD group was characterized by Parabacteroides and Tannerellaceae. The VAS group showed similarities with both VAN and VAD groups, with taxa like Desulfobacterota and Desulfovibrionaceae being present. The VAD vs. VAS, VAD vs. VAN, and VAS vs. VAN comparisons identified 571, 313, and 243 differentially expressed genes, respectively, which associated with cellular and metabolic processes, and pathway analysis revealed enrichment in pathways related to chemical carcinogenesis, drug metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and immune-related processes. The VAD group exhibited higher levels of D-lactate, diamine oxidase, and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-a, IL-1ß, IL-6) compared to the VAN and VAS groups. Conclusion: Dietary vitamin A supplementation modulates the gut microbiota, intestinal permeability, inflammatory factors, and Aß protein formation, offering insights into the pathogenesis of AD and potential therapeutic avenues for further exploration. This research highlights the intricate interplay between diet, gut microbiota, and neurodegenerative processes, emphasizing the importance of dietary interventions in managing AD-related pathologies.

Effectiveness of Electroencephalography Neurofeedback for Improving Working Memory and Episodic Memory in the Elderly: A Meta-Analysis.

Background and Objective: Existing evidence indicates the potential benefits of electroencephalography neurofeedback (NFB) training for cognitive function. This study aims to comprehensively review all available evidence investigating the effectiveness of NFB on working memory (WM) and episodic memory (EM) in the elderly population. Material and Methods: A systematic search was conducted across five databases to identify clinical trials examining the impact of NFB on memory function in healthy elderly individuals or those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The co-primary outcomes focused on changes in WM and EM. Data synthesis was performed using a random-effects meta-analysis. Results: Fourteen clinical trials (n = 284) were included in the analysis. The findings revealed that NFB was associated with improved WM (k = 11, reported as Hedges' g = 0.665, 95% confidence [CI] = 0.473 to 0.858, p < 0.001) and EM (k = 12, 0.595, 0.333 to 0.856, p < 0.001) in the elderly, with moderate effect sizes. Subgroup analyses demonstrated that NFB had a positive impact on both WM and EM, not only in the healthy population (WM: k = 7, 0.495, 0.213 to 0.778, p = 0.001; EM: k = 6, 0.729, 0.483 to 0.976, p < 0.001) but also in those with MCI (WM: k = 6, 0.812, 0.549 to 1.074, p < 0.001; EM: k = 6, 0.503, 0.088 to 0.919, p = 0.018). Additionally, sufficient training time (totaling more than 300 min) was associated with a significant improvement in WM (k = 6, 0.743, 0.510 to 0.976, p < 0.001) and EM (k = 7, 0.516, 0.156 to 0.876, p = 0.005); however, such benefits were not observed in groups with inadequate training time. Conclusions: The results suggest that NFB is associated with enhancement of both WM and EM in both healthy and MCI elderly individuals, particularly when adequate training time (exceeding 300 min) is provided. These findings underscore the potential of NFB in dementia prevention or rehabilitation.

Efficacy and safety of Qingda granule versus valsartan capsule in Chinese grade 1 hypertensive patients with low-moderate risk: A randomized, double-blind, double dummy, non-inferiority, multi-center trial.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy and safety of Qingda granule (QDG) in managing blood pressure (BP) among grade 1 hypertensive patients with low-moderate risk remain uncertain. METHODS: In the randomized, double-blind, double dummy, non-inferiority and multicenter trial, 552 patients with grade 1 hypertension at low-moderate risk were assigned at a ratio of 1:1 to receive either QDG or valsartan for 4 weeks, followed up by a subsequent 4 weeks. RESULTS: Post-treatment, clinic systolic/diastolic BPs (SBP/DBP) were reduced by a mean change of 9.18/4.04 mm Hg in the QDG group and 9.85/5.05 mm Hg in the valsartan group (SBP P = 0.47, DBP P = 0.16). Similarly, 24-hour, daytime and nighttime BPs were proportional in both groups (P > 0.05) after 4 weeks treatment. After discontinuing medications for 4 weeks, the mean reduction of clinic SBP/DBP were 0.29/0.57 mm Hg in the QDG group compared to -1.59/-0.48 mm Hg in the valsartan group (SBP P = 0.04, DBP P = 0.04). Simultaneously, the 24-hour SBP/DBP were reduced by 0.9/0.31 mm Hg in the QDG group and -1.66/-1.08 mm Hg in the valsartan group (SBP P = 0.006, DBP P = 0.02). And similar results were observed regarding the outcomes of daytime and nighttime BPs. There was no difference in occurrence of adverse events between two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: QDG proves to be efficacious for grade 1 hypertension at a low-to-medium risk, even after discontinuation of the medication for 4 weeks. These findings provide a promising option for managing grade 1 hypertension and suggest the potential for maintaining stable BP through intermittent administration of QDG. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR2000033890.

Jian-Pi-Yi-Shen formula alleviates renal fibrosis by restoring NAD+ biosynthesis in vivo and in vitro.

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) lack efficacious treatment. Jian-Pi-Yi-Shen formula (JPYSF) has demonstrated significant clinical efficacy in treating CKD for decades. However, its renoprotective mechanism has not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to determine whether JPYSF could delay renal fibrosis progression in CKD by restoring nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) biosynthesis. METHODS: Adenine-diet feeding was used to model CKD in C57BL/6 mice. JPYSF was orally administered for 4 weeks. Human proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) cells were stimulated with transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) with or without JPYSF treatment. Renal function of mice was assessed by serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels. Renal histopathological changes were assessed using Periodic acid-Schiff and Masson's trichrome staining. Cell viability was assessed using a cell counting kit-8 assay. NAD+ concentrations were detected by a NAD+/NADH assay kit. Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence were employed to examine fibrosis-related proteins and key NAD+ biosynthesis enzymes expression in the CKD kidney and TGF-ß1-induced HK-2 cells. RESULTS: JPYSF treatment could not only improve renal function and pathological injury but also inhibit renal fibrosis in CKD mice. Additionally, JPYSF reversed fibrotic response in TGF-ß1-induced HK-2 cells. Moreover, JPYSF rescued the decreased NAD+ content in CKD mice and TGF-ß1-induced HK-2 cells through restoring expression of key enzymes in NAD+ biosynthesis, including quinolinate phosphoribosyltransferase, nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase 1, and nicotinamide riboside kinase 1. CONCLUSIONS: JPYSF alleviated renal fibrosis in CKD mice and reversed fibrotic response in TGF-ß1-induced HK-2 cells, which may be related to the restoration of NAD+ biosynthesis.

Chemical composition, biological activities, and quality standards of hawthorn leaves used in traditional Chinese medicine: a comprehensive review.

Hawthorn leaves also known as crataegi foilum, are a combination of botanical drugs used commonly in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Hawthorn, the plant from which hawthorn leaves are prepared, is distributed in Northeast China, North China, and other regions in China. Hawthorn leaves are known to activate blood circulation and eliminate stasis, invigorating Qi, eliminating turbidity, and reducing the levels of lipids. So far, over a hundred compounds have been isolated from hawthorn leaves, including flavonoids, terpenoids, lignans, organic acids, and nitrogenous compounds. Hawthorn leaves are used for the treatment of hypertension, protecting against ischemic injury, angina, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and certain other conditions. Several of the currently available clinical preparations also use hawthorn leaves as raw materials, such as Yixintong capsules, Xinan capsules, etc. The present report systematically reviews the chemical composition, biological activities, and quality standards of hawthorn leaves, to provide a scientific basis and reference for detailed research on hawthorn leaves.

Huangqi-Danshen decoction protects against cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury in mice.

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) induced by cisplatin remains a major impediment to the clinical application of cisplatin, necessitating urgent exploration for promising solutions. Huangqi-Danshen decoction (HDD), a Chinese herbal preparation, has been shown by our group to have a reno-protective effect in adenine-induced chronic kidney disease mice and diabetic db/db mice. However, the effect of HDD on cisplatin-induced AKI and its underlying mechanisms are unknown. Methods: The AKI model was established by intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin (20 mg/kg) in C57BL/6 mice. The mice in the treatment group were administrated with HDD (6.8 g/kg/d) for 5 consecutive days before cisplatin challenge. After 72 h cisplatin injection, blood and kidney tissue were subsequently collected for biochemical detection, histopathological evaluation, Western blot analysis, immunohistochemical staining, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick end labeling assay. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry was used to detect changes in renal metabolites. Results: The results showed that HDD significantly reduced serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels and alleviated renal histopathological injury in cisplatin-induced AKI mice. And HDD treatment demonstrated a significant inhibition in apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress in AKI mice. Moreover, non-target metabolomics revealed that HDD significantly restored 165 altered metabolites in AKI mice. Subsequent enrichment analysis and pathway analysis of these metabolites indicated that nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism was the primary pathway affected by HDD intervention. Further investigation showed that HDD could upregulate nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) biosynthesis-related enzymes quinolinate phosphoribosyltransferase, nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase 1, and nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase to replenish NAD+ content in the kidney of AKI mice. Conclusion: In summary, HDD exerted a protective effect against cisplatin-induced AKI and suppressed apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress in the kidney of AKI mice, which may be attributed to the modulation of NAD+ biosynthesis.

[Research progress in pathogenesis and traditional Chinese medicines treatment of ischemic stroke-related headache].

Headache is a common clinical complication of ischemic stroke. As a precursor of stroke, headache occurs repeatedly in the convalescent period of ischemic stroke, leading to secondary stroke and seriously hindering patients' rehabilitation. Currently, it is believed that the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke-related headache is associated with the abnormal release of vasoactive substances, high platelet aggregation, and stimulation of intracranial pain-sensitive structures. The active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicines(TCM) with the effects of activating blood to resolve stasis and clearing heat to release exterior can protect brain tissue and relieve headache by reducing the release of inflammatory cytokines, alleviating antioxidant stress, inhibiting neuronal apoptosis and so on. This paper introduces the research progress in the potential mechanism and TCM treatment of ischemic stroke-related headache, aiming to provide reference for further research and drug development of this complication.

[Repeated transcranial acupuncture combined with electroacupuncture for flat descending sudden deafness: a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical effect of repeated transcranial acupuncture combined with electroacupuncture on flat descending sudden deafness. METHODS: A total of 80 patients with flat descending sudden deafness were randomly divided into an acupuncture and medication group (39 cases, 1 case dropped off) and a western medication group (39 cases, 1 case dropped off). Patients in the western medication group were treated with glucocorticoid + batroxobin + ginkgo leaf preparation. On the basis of the western medication group, patients in the acupuncture and medication group were treated with acupuncture at Baihui (GV 20), Ningshen, Yunting area, Mastoid 1 point, Mastoid 2 point, Fengchi (GB 20), Gongxue, Tinghui (GB 2), etc., repeated transcranial acupuncture was applied at Baihui (GV 20), Ningshen and Yunting area; Mastoid 1 point and Mastoid 2 point, Fengchi (GB 20) and Gongxue of the affected side were connected to the electroacupuncture instrument, continuous wave, 2 Hz in frequency. The needle was retained for 30 min, once a day, and rest for 1 d after 6 d of continuous treatment. All patients were treated for 3 weeks. The average hearing threshold, tinnitus handicap inventory (THI) score, dizziness handicap inventory (DHI) score and speech discrimination test score were compared between the two groups before and after treatment, and the clinical effect was evaluated. RESULTS: After treatment, the average hearing threshold, THI and DHI scores of the two groups were lower than those before treatment (P<0.05), and above indexes in the acupuncture and medication group were lower than those in the western medication group (P<0.05). The speech discrimination test scores of the two groups were higher than those before treatment (P<0.05), and the score in the acupuncture and medication group was higher than that in the western medication group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 87.2% (34/39) in the acupuncture and medication group, which was higher than 74.4% (29/39) in the western medication group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Repeated transcranial acupuncture combined with electroacupuncture can improve the hearing level of patients with flat descending sudden deafness, relieve tinnitus and vertigo symptoms.

Essential oils for treating anxiety: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials and network meta-analysis.

Background and purpose: The findings of clinical studies exploring essential oils (EOs) for anxiety remain disputed, and no studies have yet clarified the differences in the efficacy of EOs. The purpose of the study was to directly or indirectly compare the efficacy of different types of EOs on anxiety by pooling the results of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases were searched from inception to November 2022. Only full texts of RCTs that investigated the effects of EOs on anxiety were included. The trial data were extracted and the risk of bias was assessed by two reviewers independently. Pairwise meta-analysis and network meta-analysis were performed by Stata 15.1 or R 4.1.2 software. Results: Forty-four RCTs (fifty study arms) involving 10 kinds of EOs and 3419 anxiety patients (1815 patients in EOs group and 1604 patients in control group) were included. Pairwise meta-analyses showed that EOs were effective in reducing State Anxiety Inventory scores (SAIS) [WMD = -6.63, 95% CI-8.17, -5.08] and Trait Anxiety Inventory scores (TAIS) [WMD = -4.97, 95% CI-6.73, -3.20]. Additionally, EOs could decrease systolic blood pressure (SBP) [WMD = -6.83, (95% CI -10.53, -3.12), P < 0.001] and heart rate (HR) [WMD = -3.43, (95% CI -5.51, -1.36), P < 0.001]. Network meta-analyses demonstrated that regarding the outcome of SAIS, Jasminum sambac (L.)Ait. (jasmine) was the most effective with a weighted mean difference (WMD) of-13.61 (95% CrI-24.79, -2.48). Followed by Citrus (citrus aurantium L.), which had a WMD of-9.62 (95% CrI-13.32, -5.93). Moderate effect sizes were observed for Rosa rugosa Thunb. (damask rose) (WMD = -6.78, 95% CrI-10.14, -3.49) and Lavandula angustifolia Mill. (lavender) (WMD = -5.41, 95% CrI-7.86, -2.98). Regarding the results of TAIS, citrus aurantium L. was the best ranked intervention with a WMD of-9.62 (95% CrI-15.62, -3.7). Moderate-to-large effect sizes were observed for Citrus limon (L.) Burm. F. (lemon) (WMD:-8.48; 95% CrI-16.67, -0.33) and lavender (WMD:-5.5; 95% CrI-8.7, -2.46). Conclusion: According to the comprehensive analysis, EOs are effective in reducing both state anxiety and trait anxiety, and citrus aurantium L. essential oil seems to be the most recommended type of EO for treating anxiety because of its significant effects in reducing SAIS and TAIS. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier: CRD42022331319.

Fabrication of highly efficient hydroxyapatite microtubes for uranium sequestration and immobilization.

Uranium-containing wastewater is a common by-product of uranium mining. Phosphate and phosphate minerals can interact with uranyl ions [U(VI)], impeding the migration of these ions by forming relatively stable uranium-containing crystalline phase(s). In this study, hydroxyapatite microtubes (HAP-T) were fabricated to sequester uranyl ions from simulated radioactive wastewater. HAP-T had excellent adsorption and stability properties; over 98.76% of U(VI) could be sequestrated by 0.25 g/L HAP-T within 5 min at pH = 4.0. The isotherms and kinetics data could be suitably reflected by the Freundlich and the pseudo second-order kinetic models, respectively. The maximum adsorption capacity of HAP-T was 356.42 mg/g. The adsorption ability of HAP-T for U(VI) was inhibited when Mg2+ or SO42- ions or fulvic acid (FA) substances existed in the simulated radioactive wastewater. The inhibition by FA was attributed to its negative charges, which caused competition between FA and HAP-T for uranium sequestration. The primary mechanisms of U(VI) sequestration by HAP-T were electrostatic interactions and surface complexation. The effectiveness of HAP-T, HAP-B (bio-hydroxyapatite synthesized from fish bone), and HAP-C (commercially available synthesized hydroxyapatite) for uranium immobilization was compared; HAP-T was more effective than HAP-B or HAP-C in immobilizing uranium. HAP-T, which has a micron-sized tubular structure, is likely less mobile in groundwater than are HAP-B and HAP-C, which have nanoscale granular structures. In conclusion, HAP-T can be used to sequester and immobilize uranyl ions.

Huangqi-Danshen decoction reshapes renal glucose metabolism profiles that delays chronic kidney disease progression.

Huangqi-Danshen decoction (HDD), a Chinese herbal preparation, is effective in clinical treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the underlying mechanism remains to be clarified. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of HDD in the regulation of renal glucose metabolism in a CKD mouse model. The 0.2% adenine-induced CKD mouse model was administered HDD extract at a dose of 6.8 g/kg/day for 4 weeks. Detection of renal glucose metabolites was performed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The expression of renal fibrosis and glucose metabolism-related proteins was tested by Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. The results showed that HDD treatment could significantly reduce serum creatinine (0.36 ± 0.10 mg/dL vs. 0.51 ± 0.07 mg/dL, P < 0.05) and blood urea nitrogen (40.02 ± 3.73 mg/dL vs. 62.91 ± 10 mg/dL, P < 0.001) levels, and improve renal pathological injury and fibrosis. Aberrant glucose metabolism was found in the kidneys of CKD mice, manifested by enhanced glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathway, and tricarboxylic acid cycle inhibition, which could be partially restored by HDD treatment. Furthermore, HDD regulated the expression of hexokinase 2, phosphofructokinase, pyruvate kinase M2, pyruvate dehydrogenase E1, oxoglutarate dehydrogenase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in CKD mice. In conclusion, HDD protected against adenine-induced CKD, reshaped glucose metabolism profiles, and restored the expression of key enzymes of glucose metabolism in the kidneys of CKD mice. This study sheds light on targeting glucose metabolism for the treatment of CKD and screening small molecule compounds from herbal medicine to slow CKD progression.

Coptisine inhibits Helicobacter pylori and reduces the expression of CagA to alleviate host inflammation in vitro and in vivo.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a major pathogen colonized in the human stomach and is implicated in gastritis, peptic ulcer, and gastric carcinoma. Antibiotics are useful for eradicating H. pylori but failed for drug resistance, making it urgent to develop effective and safe drugs. Rhizoma Coptidis was reported as one of the most effective Chinese medicines to treat H. pylori-related gastrointestinal diseases, while the precise antimicrobial mechanism remains unclear. Thus, it is of great significance to study the antimicrobial ingredients and corresponding mechanisms of Rhizoma Coptidis. AIM OF THE STUDY: To search for the most effective alkaloid against H. pylori in Rhizoma Coptidis and illustrate the probable mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five main alkaloids in Rhizoma Coptidis were isolated. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were tested to determine the most effective one. Bacterial growth experiments, Annexin V-FITC/PI staining, TUNEL staining, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were performed to further study the anti-H. pylori activity of coptisine (Cop). The in vivo effect of Cop on H. pylori eradication rate and H. pylori-induced inflammation was investigated in mice. Transcriptomics was used to understand the underlying mechanism of eradicating H. pylori and reducing host inflammation. Western blot, RT-PCR, and ELISA experiments were utilized and confirmed that cagA was one of the targets of Cop. RESULTS: According to the MIC and MBC, Cop was the most effective alkaloid against H. pylori, especially with no drug resistance developed. In vitro experiments showed that Cop inhibited H. pylori by inducing DNA fragmentation, phosphatidylserine exposure, and membrane damage. Cop (150 mg/kg/day) effectively eradicated H. pylori in mice and reduced the levels of IL-2 and IL-6 to relieve gastric inflammation. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that virulence factor cagA was one of the hub genes associated with the inflammation-improving effect of Cop. That is, Cop could decrease the expression of CagA and subsequently reduce the translocation of CagA to gastric epithelial cells, thereby improving the morphology of hummingbird-like phenotype induced by CagA and alleviating inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: Cop is the most effective alkaloid in Rhizoma Coptidis and might act through multiple mechanisms for H. pylori eradication along with reducing the expression of CagA to alleviate inflammation.

Inhibitory effect and mechanism of hirsuteine on NCI­H1299 lung cancer cell lines.

Traditionally, the bark of Uncaria rhynchophylla (UR) has been employed for the treatment of hypertension, cancer, convulsions, haemorrhage, autoimmune disorders and other ailments. The primary aim of the present study was to explore the antiproliferative activity of hirsuteine (HTE) isolated from UR over a range of concentrations in human NSCLC NCI-H1299 cells and to explore the mechanisms underlying its therapeutic efficacy. The effects of HTE on cell viability were examined using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assays, while apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry. Cell cycle progression was additionally evaluated via propidium iodide staining, while reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting methods were employed to assess the protein levels and genes related to apoptosis and progression of the cell cycle, respectively. NCI-H1299 cell proliferation was markedly suppressed by HTE in a time- and dose-dependent manner. However, clear changes in cell morphology were also induced, resulting in G0-G1 phase cell cycle arrest, which was associated with cyclin E and CDK2 downregulation. HTE additionally induced robust NSCLC NCI-H1299 cell apoptosis, downregulation of Bcl-2 and upregulation of cytoplasmic cytochrome C, Bax, Apaf1, cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-9, which together drove the observed apoptotic cell death. HTE could effectively suppress human NSCLC NCI-H1299 cell growth by inducing apoptotic death in a dose-dependent fashion in vitro, therefore elucidating the mechanism by which this phytomedicine acts as a potent anticancer compound that warrants study as a treatment for human NSCLC patients.

[SUN Shen-tian's clinical experience in treating Tourette's syndrome with acupuncture].

To introduce the clinical experience of professor SUN Shen-tian in treatment of Tourette's syndrome (TS) with acupuncture. TS is a psychosomatic disease and the core pathogenesis refers to blood deficiency producing internal wind. The disease is located in the heart and liver. Acupoints are selected according to the functional orientation of the cerebral cortex. The extrapyramidal system area is preferred for tic disorder, and the emotional area is for behavioral disorder. The treatment focuses on regulating the mind by multiple methods, including manual needling technique used the transcranial repeated acupuncture, and regulating the mind by taking multiple acupoints, Baihui (GV 20), Neiguan (PC 6), Shenmen (HT 7) and Dazhong (KI 4) are stimulated. For abdominal twitching and mental symptoms of TS children, the first and third abdominal areas are selected. The target symptoms (biao) are treated specially by local acupoints, the combination of the starting and ending acupoints of the affected meridian, or the acupoints of the meridians with same name. The modified chaihu longgu muli decoction and siwu decoction are prescribed to sooth liver, nourish blood and soothe wind. In association with the characteristics and target symptoms of TS, the sequential therapy is used with filiform needling, intradermal needling, Chinese herbal medication and psychotherapy.

Effectiveness of Peng's Shengjing recipe on male asthenospermia caused by kidney yang deficiency: A randomized pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: To examined the efficacy and safety of Peng's Shengjing recipe in treating asthenospermia with deficiency and failure of kidney yang. The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Peng's Shengjing recipe might have benefits in treating male asthenospermia. METHODS: This randomized, positive drug-controlled, single-blind pilot study enrolled outpatients from the Third Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine Surgery, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China, between April 2020 and September 2020. A total of 99 participants were randomized to Shengjing recipe (n=50) and Xuanju capsule (n=49). They were treated for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was routine semen examinations, including the percentage of sperm motility rated grade A, A+B, and A+B+C, and the clinical effective rate. The secondary endpoints were the levels of gonadotropins. RESULTS: The A grade sperms (18.9% versus [vs.] 13.9%, p=0.030) and A+B grade sperms (42.9% vs. 32.7%, p<0.001) were higher in the Shengjing recipe group than the Xuanju capsule group. The effective rates were 68% and 53.1% in the Shengjing recipe and Xuanju capsule groups (p=0.128). No safety signals were observed. CONCLUSION: Peng's Shengjing recipe improves the quality of sperms and is effective in treating clinical asthenospermia of deficiency of kidney yang. The treatment was well tolerated, without obvious hepatorenal toxicity.Chinese Clinical Research Registry No.: ChiCTR2000030845.

[Content analysis and quality evaluation of main active components and mineral elements of Cynomorium songaricum in different habitats].

To clarify the content characteristics of the main active components and mineral elements of Cynomorium songaricum under different habitat conditions, and further explore the relationship between the quality of C. songaricum and habitats, this study took C. songaricum from 25 different habitats in China as the research object, and measured the contents of 8 main active components and 12 mineral elements separately. Diversity analysis, correlation analysis, principal component analysis and cluster analysis were carried out. The results showed that the genetic diversity of total flavonoids, ursolic acid, ether extract, potassium(K), phosphorus(P) and zinc(Zn) in C. songaricum was high. The coefficient of variation of crude polysaccharide, ether extract, gallic acid, protocatechuic aldehyde, catechin, epicatechin, calcium(Ca), sodium(Na), magnesium(Mg), sulfur(S), iron(Fe), manganese(Mn), selenium(Se) and nickel(Ni) were all over 36%, indicating that the quality of C. songaricum was significantly affected by habitats. There were strong synergistic and weak antagonistic effects among the contents of the 8 active components, and complex antagonistic and synergistic effects among the contents of the 12 mineral elements. Principal component analysis revealed that crude polysaccharide, ursolic acid, catechin, epicatechin and total flavonoids could be used as the characteristic components to evaluate the quality of C. songaricum, and Na, copper(Cu), Mn and Ni were the characteristic elements to evaluate the quality of C. songaricum. In cluster ana-lysis, the second group with the main active components as cluster center had better quality in terms of the content of active substances, and the second group with the mineral elements as cluster center had higher utilization potential in the exploitation of mineral elements. This study could provide a basis for resource evaluation and breeding of excellent varieties of C. songaricum in different habitats, and provide a reference for cultivation and identification of C. songaricum.

Effects of Tiaopi Xiezhuo decoction on constipation and gut dysbiosis in patients with peritoneal dialysis.

CONTEXT: A Chinese herbal formula, Tiaopi Xiezhuo decoction (TXD), is developed from a classical Chinese prescription Sanhuang Xiexin decoction. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the regulatory effect of TXD on gut dysbiosis, as a treatment of constipation in patients with peritoneal dialysis (PD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The chemical content of TXD was assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography. A total of 29 PD patients were enrolled and treated with TXD orally (3 g crude drug/each/twice/day) for 3 months. Blood and faecal samples were collected at the beginning and end, to determine the changes in biochemical characteristics and gut microbial composition. The stool conditions were asked to be scored. Additional 30 healthy individuals were recruited as a control for the analysis of gut microbiota. RESULTS: Although having no significant effects on serum biochemical characteristics, 3-month TXD intervention improved constipation in PD patients: decreased 80% abdominal distention (p < 0.01), increased 2.6-fold sloppy stools (p < 0.05) and eliminated hard stool completely (p < 0.01). The analysis of gut microbiota showed that, compared to the healthy group, the microbial richness was reduced in PD patients. After a 3-month TXD treatment, this reduced richness was raised, and Paraprevotella clara, Lachnospiraceae bacterium 2-146FA, Phascolarctobaterium succinatutens, Lachnospiraceae bacterium 2-1-58FAA, Fusobacterium mortiferum, and Prevotella copri were accumulated in the intestinal flora. Furthermore, the bacterial species enriched by TXD correlated with the improvement of constipation. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: TXD treatment may improve constipation by modulating gut dysbiosis in PD patients. These findings provide data to support the further application of TXD in the adjuvant treatment of PD.

[GAO Wei-bin's clinical experience in treatment of neurogenic bladder with acupuncture].

The paper introduces GAO Wei-bin's clinical experience in acupuncture treatment for neurogenic bladder. In association with the etiology, the location and types of neurogenic bladder and in accordance with nerve anatomy and meridian differentiation, the acupoints are selected accurately in treatment. Four acupoint prescriptions are allocated. For frequent urination and urinary incontinence, the foot-motor-sensory area of scalp acupuncture, Shenshu (BL 23) and Huiyang (BL 35) are used. For all kinds of urine retention, especially the patients who are not suitable for acupuncture at the lumbar region, Zhongji (CV 3), Qugu (CV 2), Henggu (KI 11) and Dahe (KI 12) are selected. For all kinds of urine retention, Zhongliao (BL 33) and Ciliao (BL 32) are applicable. For the patients with both dysuria and urinary incontinence, Zhongliao (BL 33), Ciliao (BL 32) and Huiyang (BL 35) are chosen. In treatment of neurogenic bladder, both biao (root causes) and ben (primary symptoms) are considered, as well as the accompanying symptoms; and electroacupuncture is combined accordingly. During the delivery of acupuncture, the sites where the acupoints located are detected and palpated so as to rationally control the depth of needle insertion and the operation of reinforcing and reducing needling techniques.

Association of urinary phytoestrogens with hormone-related cancers and cancer biomarkers: NHANES 1999-2010.

Phytoestrogens may have potential effects on hormone-related cancers (HRC) and cancer biomarkers, but the findings have been inconsistent so far. Participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2010 with information on the levels of urinary phytoestrogens, serum cancer biomarkers and cancer history were included. Sampling-weighted logistic regression models examined the association between urinary phytoestrogens concentrations (creatinine-standardised and log-transformed) and HRC, followed by stratified analyses by race/ethnicity, age and menopausal status for different gender. Correlation analyses between phytoestrogens and cancer biomarkers were performed. Of the total 8844 participants, there were 373 with HRC. We observed total isoflavone and enterodiol excretion were positively associated with HRC, especially in non-Hispanic white female subpopulations (Ptrend < 0·05). Similar association also existed in the total isoflavones and enterodiol levels with breast cancer. Whereas the highest concentration of total isoflavones was significantly linked to a reduced prevalence of HRC (OR = 0·40, 95 % CI: 0·19, 0·84) in white males and of prostate cancer (OR = 0·40, 95 % CI: 0·18, 0·86). Among twenty-four participants with HRC, urinary equol concentration was positively correlated with CA15.3. Also, an inverse correlation of total prostate-specific antigens (PSA) and positive correlation of the PSA ratio with urinary enterolactone were detected in thirteen prostate cancer patients. Our findings indicated that higher concentrations of total isoflavones and enterodiol were positively associated with HRC. Urinary certain phytoestrogen excretion may affect serum cancer biomarker levels in cancer patients. But further prospective studies are needed to provide stronger evidence.

GAO Wei-bin's clinical experience in treatment of neurogenic bladder with acupuncture / 中国针灸

The paper introduces GAO Wei-bin's clinical experience in acupuncture treatment for neurogenic bladder. In association with the etiology, the location and types of neurogenic bladder and in accordance with nerve anatomy and meridian differentiation, the acupoints are selected accurately in treatment. Four acupoint prescriptions are allocated. For frequent urination and urinary incontinence, the foot-motor-sensory area of scalp acupuncture, Shenshu (BL 23) and Huiyang (BL 35) are used. For all kinds of urine retention, especially the patients who are not suitable for acupuncture at the lumbar region, Zhongji (CV 3), Qugu (CV 2), Henggu (KI 11) and Dahe (KI 12) are selected. For all kinds of urine retention, Zhongliao (BL 33) and Ciliao (BL 32) are applicable. For the patients with both dysuria and urinary incontinence, Zhongliao (BL 33), Ciliao (BL 32) and Huiyang (BL 35) are chosen. In treatment of neurogenic bladder, both biao (root causes) and ben (primary symptoms) are considered, as well as the accompanying symptoms; and electroacupuncture is combined accordingly. During the delivery of acupuncture, the sites where the acupoints located are detected and palpated so as to rationally control the depth of needle insertion and the operation of reinforcing and reducing needling techniques.