Effects of dietary astaxanthin on growth performance, muscle composition, non-specific immunity, gene expression, and ammonia resistance of juvenile ivory shell (Babylonia areolate).

Astaxanthin is one of the important immunopotentators in aquaculture. However, little is known about the physiological changes and stress resistance effects of astaxanthin in marine gastropods. In this study, the effects of different astaxanthin concentrations (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg/kg) on the growth, muscle composition, immune function, and resistance to ammonia stress in Babylonia areolata were investigated after three months of rearing. With the increase in astaxanthin content, the weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR), and survival rate (SR) of B. areolata showed an increasing trend. The 75-100 mg/kg group was significantly higher than the control group (0 mg/kg). There was no significant difference in the flesh shell ratio (FSR), viscerosomatic index (VSI), and soft tissue index (STI) of the experimental groups. Astaxanthin (75 mg/kg) significantly increased muscle crude protein content and increased hepatopancreas alkaline phosphatase (AKP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activity. Astaxanthin (75-100 mg/kg) significantly increased the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and acid phosphatase (ACP) of the hepatopancreas and decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) content of B. areolata. Astaxanthin significantly induced the expression levels of functional genes, such as SOD, Cu/ZnSOD, ferritin, ACP, and CYC in hepatopancreas and increased the survival rate of B. areolata under ammonia stress. The addition of 75-100 mg/kg astaxanthin to the feed improved the growth performance, muscle composition, immune function, and resistance to ammonia stress of B. areolata.

[Effect of Biochar with Phosphorus Fertilizer on Soil Nutrients, Enzyme Activity, and Nutrient Uptake of Alfalfa].

Biochar is widely used in agricultural production practices as a soil conditioner that can be used both alone and jointly with chemical fertilizer. However, there are few studies on the effects of the combined application of biochar and phosphate fertilizer with different particle sizes on soil and plants. In this experiment, pot experiments were used to study the effects of biochar with different particle sizes on soil nutrients, enzyme activity, and Alfalfa nutrient absorption under two phosphorus levels (according to diameter, the biochar was divided into C1:>1 mm and C2:<0.01 mm). This study showed that the combined application of biochar and phosphorus significantly improved soil nutrients, enzyme activity, and Alfalfa nutrient absorption. Among them, the C2 treatment significantly increased the soil available phosphorus content and phosphatase activity (P<0.05), whereas the C1 treatment had a significant effect on ammonium nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, urease, and catalase activities (P<0.05). Moreover, the differences in nutrients and enzymes among biochar treatments with different particle sizes were affected by soil phosphorus levels. At the P0 level, there was no significant difference in ammonium nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen contents between the C1 and C2 treatments. At the P1 level, the contents of NH4+-N and NO3--N in the C1 treatment were 24.19% and 18.68% higher than those in the C2 treatment (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the C1 and C2 treatments. Phosphorus addition significantly increased the N and P contents of Alfalfa above ground and in the ground (P<0.05), but there was no significant effect on the nutrient content of Alfalfa between different particle sizes of biochar. In conclusion, biochar and phosphate fertilizer can be used as an effective means of soil improvement. In addition, when using biochar for soil improvement, the impact of particle size on soil nutrients and soil enzymes should be considered.

Isolation, molecular characterization, immunological and anticoagulatant activities of polysaccharides from frankincense and its vinegar processed product.

Frankincense (FRA), the oily resin consisting of essential oils, boswellic acids (BAs) and polysaccharides, has been used to improve the blood circulation and relieve pain against carbuncles. According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, vinegar processed frankincense (VPF) can increase the effects of promoting blood circulation and relieving pain. Existing studies have carried out much on BAs and essential oils. However, the comparative analysis of polysaccharides from FRA and VPF has not been reported. In this paper, two polysaccharides were isolated and purified from FRA and the other two were from VPF, and their structures and physicochemical properties were analyzed. The immunological and anticoagulatant activities of the four polysaccharides were tested in RAW 264.7 cell and Sprague-Dawley rats, respectively. The polysaccharides purified from VPF showed better immunological and anticoagulatant activities than those in FRA. Therefore, polysaccharides may be one of the active substances for the synergistic effect of VPF.

Systematic characterization of the metabolites of defatted walnut powder extract in vivo and screening of the mechanisms against NAFLD by UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS combined with network pharmacology.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Walnut kernel, a well-known TCM, is often used after being defatted in tradition. And defatted walnut powder extract (DWPE) has the actions of tonifying the liver and kidney, dissipating stagnation and removing blood stasis, which has the effect on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the effective components of DWPE in vivo were unclear and the multiple mechanisms of DWPE against NAFLD have not been explored. AIM OF THE STUDY: The studies were performed to screen the effective substances in vivo by identification of the metabolites of DWPE in rats and to seek the potential mechanisms of DWPE on NAFLD by construction of the network pharmacology based on metabolites and verification of the highly correlated pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To explore the effective substances in vivo, the metabolites of DWPE were identified in SD rats' bio-samples through UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS. To analyze the mechanisms of DWPE on NAFLD, a Metabolite-Target-Disease network was established and the potential mechanisms were predicted. Then, highly correlated pathway was verified in animal and cells studies. RESULTS: A total of 52 metabolites of DWPE were identified in vivo, which were derived from gallic acid, ellagic acid (EA) and glansreginin A (Gla A). The possible metabolic pathways were phase Ⅰ (hydroxylation, hydrolyzation, etc) and phase Ⅱ metabolic reactions (methylation, sulfation and glucuronidation). Furthermore, in the network pharmacology, 54 core targets were enriched into pathways in cancer, nitrogen metabolism and other 9 pathways, which were essential pathways of DWPE against NAFLD. And the mechanism of nitrogen metabolism was verified in both of animal and cells studies. The results showed that DWPE could decline the concentration of ammonia and increase the expressions of carbonic anhydrase 2 (CA2) and carbamoylphosphate synthetase (CPS1) in nitrogen metabolism. CONCLUSION: Taken together, the study revealed the absorption components and their metabolic pathways and demonstrated the mechanism of nitrogen metabolism of DWPE on anti-NAFLD.

Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medic. extract alleviate cataract development by regulating the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway of the lens epithelial cells.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medic. (CBP) is a cruciferous plant valuable in reducing fever, improving eyesight and calming the liver. This herb was recorded in the Compendium of Materia Medica for cataract treatment. AIM OF THE STUDY: To determine the effects and mechanism of CBP on cataract prevention and treatment using a selenite cataract model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The main compounds in CBP extract were analyzed by UPLC, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectroscopic techniques. Flavonoids formed a significant proportion of its compounds, thus necessitating an evaluation of their inhibitory effects on the development of cataract using a selenite cataract model. The protective effects of CBP flavonoids (CBPF) against oxidative damage and the modulation of mitochondrial apoptotic pathway were subsequently verified on H2O2-treated SRA01/04 lens epithelial cells. RESULTS: CBPF significantly alleviated the development of cataract by decreasing the MDA level and increasing the GSH-Px and SOD levels in the lens. It also inhibited H2O2-induced apoptosis in SRA01/04 cells, increased the expression of Bcl-2 protein and decreased the expressions of Caspase-3 and Bax proteins. CONCLUSION: CBPF exerts a significant preventive effect on cataract development by regulating the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway of the lens epithelial cells. It is thus a potent traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) whose application should be further developed for the clinical treatment of cataract.

Effects of dietary trehalose on growth, trehalose content, non-specific immunity, gene expression and desiccation resistance of juvenile red claw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus).

This study was performed to investigate the effects of dietary trehalose on growth, muscle composition, non-specific immune responses, gene expression and desiccation resistance of juvenile red claw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus). A total of 540 (body weight of 0.41 ± 0.05) crayfish were randomly divided into six groups for a feeding experiment. Six diets with trehalose levels at 0 (Diet 1), 1 (Diet 2), 2 (Diet 3), 5 (Diet 4), 10 (Diet 5) and 15 (Diet 6) g kg-1 were prepared to feed juvenile red claw crayfish for 8 weeks. The results showed that the weight gain rate (WGR) and specific growth rate (SGR) of crayfish in Diet 4, Diet 5 and Diet 6 groups were significantly improved compared with the control group (Diet 1). Muscle crude protein contents of crayfish fed Diet 4, Diet 5 and Diet 6 were significantly higher than those of the control group. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) in hepatopancreas and hemolymph of crayfish for Diet 4, Diet 5, and Diet 6 groups were significantly increased while malondialdehyde (MDA) content was significantly reduced when compared with the control. The total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities in the hepatopancreas and hemolymph of crayfish fed Diet 5 and Diet 6 were significantly higher than those in the control group. However, acid phosphatase (ACP) activity was not significantly different among all experimental groups. The hepatopancreas and intestine trehalose contents of crayfish showed an upward trend with the increase of dietary trehalose levels. Compared with the control group, supplementation of 5-15 g kg-1 trehalose in the feed up-regulated the expression levels of GPx, C-type lysozyme (C-LZM), antilipolysacchride factor (ALF), facilitated trehalose transporter homolog isoform X2 (Tret1-2) and facilitated trehalose transporter isoform X4 (Tret1-4) mRNA. In addition, supplementation of 5-15 g kg-1 trehalose in the feed could improve the survival rate of red claw crayfish under desiccation stress. These results suggested that supplementation of 5-15 g kg-1 trehalose in feed could significantly improve the growth performance, muscle protein, non-specific immunity and desiccation resistance of juvenile red claw crayfish.

Anti-NAFLD effect of defatted walnut powder extract in high fat diet-induced C57BL/6 mice by modulating the gut microbiota.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Walnut kernel has the actions of removing meteorism, dissipating stagnation and removing blood stasis and is used after being defatted in TCM. Defatted walnut powder extract (DWPE) has the abilities of anti-oxidation and lowering lipid levels in vivo. However, the effects and the potential mechanisms of DWPE on NAFLD have not been explored. AIM OF THE STUDY: The study were to investigate the anti-NAFLD effect of DWPE in high fat diet-induced C57BL/6 mice and demonstrate that whether DWPE developed the effect on anti-NAFLD by remodeling the compositions and abundances of gut microbiota. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The inhibitory effect of DWPE on the development of NAFLD was conducted on C57BL/6 mice with a high fat diet and the regulation effect of DWPE on gut microbiota was verified on pseudo-sterile mice with treatment of broad spectrum antibiotics. RESULTS: The results showed that the oral administration of DWPE remarkably alleviated hepatic lipid accumulation by decreasing the levels of TG, TC, LDL, MDA and increasing HDL. Meanwhile, the expressions of NF-κB and MAPKs family proteins were reduced by DWPE compared with HFD group. Otherwise, the efficacy of anti-NAFLD of DWPE was significantly decreased after treatment of antibiotics, which indicated the key role of gut microbiota in the therapeutic process. Furthermore, sequencing of 16S rRNA gene revealed that DWPE could revert the decreased relative abundance of gut microbiota caused by the long term of a high fat diet. And the disordered microflora was remodeled by DWPE including the reduction of Erysipelotrichia, Firmicutes and Actinobacteria as well as the increment of Bacteroidetes, Clostridiales, Bacteroidales S24-7, Prevotellaceae and Bacteroides. CONCLUSION: Taken together, DWPE had a preventing effect on NAFLD, which might be associated with the regulation of gut microbiota.

[Effect and mechanism of Bidens pilosa decoction on non-alcoholic fatty liver induced by high fat and high glucose in mice].

This study aimed to investigate the effect and possible mechanism of Bidens pilosa decoction on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) induced by high fat and high glucose in mice. Bald/c mice were randomly divided into normal group, model group, metformin(200 mg·kg~(-1)) treatment group, Bidens pilosa decoction(10 g·kg~(-1)) treatment group, metformin and B. pilosa decoction(100 mg·kg~(-1)+5 g·kg~(-1)) treatment group. Except for the normal group, mice in the other four groups were fed with high-fat and high-glucose diet for 8 weeks to establish the non-alcoholic fatty liver model. After 4 weeks of treatment, blood was collected from the eyeballs, the mice were sacrificed, and relevant indicators were detected. The results showed that compared with the model group, blood lipid and blood glucose levels of each treatment group were significantly lower(P<0.05); HE staining results showed that liver pathological damage in each treatment group was significantly improved; oil red O staining results showed fat distribution in each treatment group significantly reduced(P<0.01); immunohistochemical staining showed that glucose regulated the protein expression of protein 78(GRP78) in liver tissues of each treatment group was also significantly reduced(P<0.01); Western blot results showed that endoplasmic reticulum stress signal pathway-related factors GRP78, phosphorylated-protein kinase R-like ER kinase(p-PERK), eukaryotic translation-initiation factor 2α(eIF2α), activating transcription factor 4(ATF4), C/EBP homologous protein(Chop), inositol requiring 1α(IRE1α), and cleaved-cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 12(cleaved-caspase-12) were significantly reduced(P<0.01). The results of the combined drug treatment group were better than those of the single drug treatment group. These results showed that B. pilosa decoction had the effect in improving non-alcoholic fatty liver, and its mechanism may be related to the down-regulation of the expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress(ERS)-related factors, and the reduction of the apoptosis of hepatocytes caused by ERS and the down-regulation of blood lipid and blood glucose levels.

Amelioration of paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice by regulating miR-140-5p expression with the fibrogenic inhibitor Xuebijing.

Intravenous Xuebijing (XBJ) therapy suppresses paraquat (PQ)-induced pulmonary fibrosis. However, the mechanism underlying this suppression remains unknown. This work aimed to analyze the miR-140-5p-induced effects of XBJ injection on PQ-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. The mice were arbitrarily assigned to four groups. The model group was administered with PQ only. The PQ treatment group was administered with PQ and XBJ. The control group was administered with saline only. The control treatment group was administered with XBJ only. The miR-140-5p and miR-140-5p knockout animal models were overexpressed. The gene expression levels of miR-140-5p, transglutaminase-2 (TG2), ß-catenin, Wnt-1, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), mothers against decapentaplegic homolog (Smad), and transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) in the lungs were assayed with quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot analysis. The levels of TGF-ß1, CTGF, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hydroxyproline (Hyp) levels and pulmonary fibrosis were also scored. After 14 days of PQ induction of pulmonary fibrosis, AdCMV-miR-140-5p, and XBJ upregulated miR-140-5p expression; blocked the expressions of TG2, Wnt-1, and ß-catenin; and decreased p-Smad2, p-Smad3, CTGF, MMP-9, and TGF-ß1 expressions. In addition, Hyp and pulmonary fibrosis scores in XBJ-treated mice decreased. Histological results confirmed that PQ-induced pulmonary fibrosis in XBJ-treated lungs was attenuated. TG2 expression and the Wnt-1/ß-catenin signaling pathway were suppressed by the elevated levels of miR-140-5p expression. This inhibition was pivotal in the protective effect of XBJ against PQ-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Thus, XBJ efficiently alleviated PQ-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice.

The Role of Th17/Treg Axis in the Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention on Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases: A Systematic Review.

The Th17/Treg axis plays a crucial role in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMID) and might represent an interesting drug target of treatment strategy for these diseases. Accumulating evidence suggests a role for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the modulation of Th17/Treg axis, but a comprehensive overview which summarizes this field hitherto is lacked. This paper performs a systematic literature review of the regulatory effects of TCM on the imbalance of Th17/Treg axis and its potential mechanisms. In addition, the frequency analysis and network pharmacology for the collected TCM herbs from clinical trial data were performed. The studies reported the changes in the ratio of Th17 and/or Treg cells as well as their transcription factor and related cytokines were included. Frequency analysis of composition of the 39 assessed TCM prescriptions showed that Astragalus membranaceus var.mongholicus (5.20%), Glycyrrhiza uralensis (3.67%), Paeonia obovate (3.06%), Salvia digitaloides (3.06%), and Angelica sinensis (2.75%) were the top five herbal components, which were closely associated to the treatment of IMID. Network pharmacology showed that six target proteins (transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta receptor type-1, TGF-beta receptor type-2, retineic-acid-receptor-related orphan nuclear receptor gamma (ROR-gamma), TGFB2, IL-17 and IL-2, respectively) might be involved in the regulatory effects of TCM on Th17/Treg axis. Moreover, there were nine active ingredients (including Oxymatrine, Baicalin, Triptolide, Paeoniflorin, Sinomenine, Celastrol, Emodin, Diosgenin and Chlorogenic acid) originating from TCM reported to have an immunological regulation effect on the Th17/Treg axis. The highlight of this systematic review is to reveal the pharmacological basis of TCM treating IMID and is helpful for supporting future pharmacologic-driven studies. Further research elucidates the immune-modulating mechanisms on Th17/Treg axis by TCM might provide a broader insight for the treatment of IMID.

Morning glory seed keeps laxative effect while retains less subchronic toxicity after being fried.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Morning glory seed (MGS), has been widely used in treating constipation especially towards children. Clinically, people usually take fried MGS (MGSF) in formulas to reduce its side effect. However, the safety of MGSF other than MGS has yet to be explored. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to reveal the potential mechanisms of using MGSF instead of MGS basing on chemistry, pharmacodynamics and toxicology. METHODS: The chemical compositions of the extracts of MGS and MGSF were compared using UPLC-Q-TOF/MS method. Simultaneously, to prove the availability and safety of MGSF, we investigated the laxative effect and subchronic toxicity of MGS and MGSF and addressed the mechanism of laxative effect of them. RESULTS: In this study, less phenolic acids and more fatty acids were detected in MGSF compared with the compounds in MGS. Moreover, we found that MGS group had stronger laxative effect than MGSF group via downregulating the expression of AQP3 protein. As for subchronic toxicity test, the body weights of MGS group were lower than MGSF group. In serum biochemistry and histopathological examinations, MGS group could cause more serious toxicity in liver, kidney and colon than MGSF group with higher values of BUN, Cr, AST and ALP. CONCLUSION: Based on the findings in this study, MGSF with varied compounds contents could still keep the laxative effect while retain less subchronic toxicity, which emphasized the necessity of processing and provided an insight into the rational use of MGSF in clinical practice.

[Expert consensus statement on Kangfu Xiaoyan Suppository in treatment of pelvic inflammatory in clinical practice].

Kangfu Xiaoyan Suppository is widely used in the treatment of gynecological inflammatory diseases. Long-term clinical application and a certain amount of research evidences show that Kangfu Xiaoyan Suppository can alleviate the clinical symptoms of pelvic inflammatory diseases,reduce the recurrence rate,and relieve sequelae,with a better safety and economic characteristics. As a type of nationally protected traditional Chinese medicine and type B medicine included in medical insurance,it has been selected as a Chinese patent medicine for rectal administration. It was included in the Guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of common gynecological diseases of traditional Chinese medicine published by the Chinese Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2012,the Pelvic inflammatory diseases diagnosis and treatment guidelines issued by the Infectious Diseases Collaborative Group of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Branch of the Chinese Medical Association in 2014,and the group standard of Single use of traditional Chinese medicine/combined antibiot guidelines for clinical practice-pelvic inflammatory diseases of the Chinese Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2017. To further enhance clinicians' understanding of the drug and better guide its rational clinical use,experts from the field of gynecology of traditional Chinese and Western medicine were invited to develop and compile this expert consensus. This consensus takes full account of clinical evidences and expert clinical experience,and form recommendations for clinical problems based on evidences and consensus recommendations for clinical problems without evidence by nominal grouping method. The expert consensus is mainly formed in the consideration of six factors: quality of evidence,economy,efficacy,adverse reactions,patient acceptability and others. Based on clinical research evidences and expert experience,this consensus provides a preliminary reference for the clinical use of the drug in a concise and clear format. However,evidence-based support is still required in a large number of high-quality studies,and this consensus will be revised in the future according to new clinical problems and the update of evidence-based evidence in practical application.

[Study on preventive and therapeutic effects of Erzhi Pills on mice with Parkinson's disease induced by MPTP].

The aim of this study was to investigate the preventive and therapeutic effects of Erzhi Pills on 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine( MPTP)-induced Parkinson's disease( PD) in mice,and explore its possible mechanism of action. Mice were intraperitoneally injected with MPTP( 30 mg·kg-1,0. 01 m L·g-1) once daily to induce PD for 8 days. In the treatment group,Erzhi Pills were given by intragastric administration( 2. 5 g·kg-1,once daily for 30 days). The normal group received an equal volume of normalsaline. In terms of behavior,the limb movement coordination ability of the mice was detected by climbing,hanging and swimming experiments. The spatial learning and memory ability of the mice was detected by Morris water maze test. The content of MDA,as well as the activity of GSH-PX and SOD were determined in mice serum. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of TH,MAOB and apoptosis-related factors CHOP and caspase-12 in brain tissues. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of TH in section of brain tissues in mice. The results showed that in behavioral aspects,as compared with the model group,the scores of limb movement ability as well as scores of spatial learning and memory ability were significantly improved in the treatment groups( P<0. 05). In terms of serological indicators,as compared with the model group,the activities of SOD and GSH-PX were significantly increased in the serum of treatment groups,and the content of MDA was significantly decreased( P<0. 05). The results of Western blot showed that as compared with the model group,the protein levels of TH in the brain tissues of the mice in treatment group were significantly up-regulated,while the protein levels of MAOB and apoptosis-related factors CHOP and caspase-12 were significantly down-regulated( P<0. 05). The results of immunohistochemistry showed that the number of TH positive cells in the brain tissues of the mice in the treatment group was significantly increased as compared with the model group( P<0. 05). In summary,Erzhi Pills have a certain preventive and therapeutic effect on MPTP-induced PD mice,which can significantly improve the limb motor coordination ability and spatial learning and memory ability of PD mice. Its mechanism may be related to down-regulating the expression of apoptosis-related factors CHOP and caspase-12,reducing the dopaminergic neuron damage and inhibiting dopaminergic neuronal apoptosis.

Chemical composition, antibacterial activity and related mechanism of valonia and shell from Quercus variabilis Blume (Fagaceae) against Salmonella paratyphi a and Staphylococcus aureus.

BACKGROUND: Plant secondary metabolites and phytochemicals that exhibit strong bioactivities have potential to be developed as safe and efficient natural antimicrobials against food contamination and addressing antimicrobial resistance caused by the overuse of chemical synthetic preservative. In this study, the chemical composition, antibacterial activities and related mechanism of the extracts of the valonia and the shell of Quercus variabilis Blume were studied to determine its potential as a safe and efficient natural antimicrobial. METHODS: The phenolic compositions of valonia and shell extracts were determined by folin-ciocalteau colourimetric method, sodium borohydride/chloranil-based assay and the aluminium chloride method and then further identified by the reverse-phase HPLC analysis. The antibacterial activities of valonia and shell extracts were evaluated by the agar disk diffusion method and agar dilution method. The related antibacterial mechanism was explored successively by the membrane of pathogens effect, phosphorous metabolism, whole-cell proteins and the microbial morphology under scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: The n-butanol fraction and water fraction of valonia along with n-butanol fraction of the shell contains enrich phenolics including ellagic acid, theophylline, caffeic acid and tannin acid. The n-butanol fraction and ethanol crude extracts of valonia exhibited strong antibacterial activities against Salmonella paratyphi A (S. paratyphi A) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) with the DIZ values ranged from 10.89 ± 0.12 to 15.92 ± 0.44, which were greater than that of the Punica granatum (DIZ: 10.22 ± 0.18 and 10.30 ± 0.21). The MIC values of the n-butanol fraction and ethanol crude extracts of valonia against S. paratyphi A and S. aureus were 1.25 mg/ml and 0.625 mg/ml. The related antibacterial mechanism of n-butanol fraction and ethanol crude extracts of valonia may be attributed to their strong impact on membrane permeability and cellular metabolism. Those extracts exhibited strong antibacterial activity according to inhibit the synthesis of bacterial proteins and seriously change morphological structure of bacterial cells. CONCLUSIONS: The n-butanol fraction and ethanol crude extracts of valonia had reasonably good antibacterial activities against S. paratyphi A and S. aureus. This study suggests possible application of valonia and shell as natural antimicrobials or preservatives for food and medical application.

Systematically characterize the substance basis of Jinzhen oral liquid and their pharmacological mechanism using UPLC-Q-TOF/MS combined with network pharmacology analysis.

Jinzhen oral liquid (JZ) is a classical traditional Chinese medicine formula used for the treatment of children lung disease. However, the effective substance of JZ is still unclear. In this study, we used lung injury rat model to study the protective effect of JZ, through UPLC-Q-TOF/MS detection coupled with metabolic research and network pharmacology analysis. Fortunately, 31 absorbed prototype constituents and 41 metabolites were identified or tentatively characterized based on UPLC-Q-TOF/MS analysis, and the possible metabolic pathways were hydroxylation, sulfation and glucuronidation. We optimized the data screening in the early stage of network pharmacology by collecting targets based on adsorbed constituents, and further analyzed the main biological processes and pathways. 24 selected core targets were frequently involved in reactive oxygen species metabolic process, dopaminergic synapse pathway and so on, which might play important roles in the mechanisms of JZ for the treatment of lung injury. Overall, the absorbed constituents and their possible metabolic pathways, as well as the absorbed constituent-target-disease network provided insights into the mechanisms of JZ for the treatment of lung injury. Further studies are needed to validate the biological processes and effect pathways of JZ.

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of novel iso-flavones derivatives as H3R antagonists.

Histamine H3 receptor (H3R), a kind of G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR), is expressed mainly in the central nervous system (CNS) and plays a vital role in homoeostatic control. This study describes the design and synthesis of a series of novel H3R antagonists based on the iso-flavone scaffold. The results of the bioactivity evaluation show that four compounds (1c, 2c, 2h, and 2o) possess significant H3R inhibitory activities. Molecular docking indicates that a salt bridge, π-π T-shape interactions, and hydrophobic interaction all contribute to the interaction between compound 2h and H3R.

Mindfulness-based relapse prevention combined with virtual reality cue exposure for methamphetamine use disorder: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP) is a method that combines cognitive behavioral relapse prevention with mindfulness practice. Research suggests that MBRP can effectively reduce withdrawal/craving in people with substance use disorder (SUD). An important part of MBRP is to practice mindfulness meditation to cope with high-risk situations for relapse, such as stimuli and situations associated with drug taking. Virtual reality cue exposure (VRCE) may be a complementary approach to MBRP as it allows for controlled and graded presentations of various high-risk situations with distal and proximal drug cues. The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of MBRP combined with VRCE, in comparison to MBRP alone or treatment as usual, on craving and emotional responses in people with methamphetamine use disorders. METHOD/DESIGN: The study is a parallel randomized controlled study including 180 participants with methamphetamine use disorder. Three parallel groups will receive 8 weeks of MBRP combined with VRCE, MBRP alone, or treatment as usual, respectively. Craving, virtual cue reactivity, anxiety, depression, emotion regulation, mindfulness and drug-related attention bias will be assessed at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 3 and 6 months of follow-up. DISCUSSION: This innovative study aims at investigating the effects of MBRP combined with VRCE in people with SUD. The combined intervention may have important clinical implications for relapse prevention due to its ease of application and high cost-effectiveness. This study may also stimulate research on the neuronal and psychological mechanisms of MBRP in substance use disorder. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR-INR-17013041.

A new C-glycosyl flavone and a new neolignan glycoside from Passiflora edulis Sims peel.

A new C-glycosyl flavone, Chrysin-8-C-(2″-O-ß-6-deoxy-glucopyranosyl)-ß-D-glucopyranoside (1), a new neolignan glycoside, citrusin G (2), as well as 15 known compounds (3-17) were isolated from the peel of Passiflora edulis Sims. The structure determinations were primarily based on comprehensive spectroscopic analyses, and the absolute configuration of 2 were unequivocally determined by the CD experiment and chemical transformation. Compound 1 represents the rare examples of the flavonoid featuring a deoxy glucose sugar moiety. Compounds 5, 7 and 9 exhibited moderate inhibitory effects on nitric oxide (NO) production stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in RAW 264.7 cells, with IC50 values of 34.92, 16.12 and 26.67 µM, respectively.

Synergistic effects and related bioactive mechanisms of Potentilla fruticosa Linn. leaves combined with green tea polyphenols studied with microbial test system (MTS).

Previous research found Potentilla fruticosa leaf extracts (PFE) combined with green tea polyphenols (GTP) showed obvious synergistic effects based on chemical mechanisms. This study further confirmed the synergy of PFE + GTP viewed from bioactivities using the microbial test system (MTS). The MTS antioxidant activity results showed the combination of PFE + GTP exhibited synergistic effect and the ratio 3:1 showed the strongest synergy, which were in accordance with the results in H2O2 production rate. The combination of PFE + GTP promoted CAT and SOD enzyme activity and their gene expression especially at the ratio 3:1. Therefore, the synergism of PFE + GTP may be due to the promotion of CAT and SOD genes expression which enhanced the CAT and SOD enzyme activities. These results confirmed the synergy of PFE + GTP and could provide theoretical basis to produce a compounded tea made of a mixture of leaves from Potentilla species.

Wuzi Yanzong pill, a Chinese polyherbal formula, alleviates testicular damage in mice induced by ionizing radiation.

BACKGROUND: Chinese medicine Wuzi Yanzong pill (WZYZP) was firstly documented in ancient Chinese medical works "She Sheng Zhong Miao Fang" by Shi-Che Zhang in 1550 AD. The traditional herbal formula is widely used in treating nephrasthenia lumbago, prospermia, erectile dysfunction and male sterility. The present study was to explore the effects of WZYZP on ionizing irradiation-induced testicular damage in mice. METHODS: The pelvic region of male mice was exposed to X-rays for inducing testicular damage. The effects of WZYZP on testicular damage were evaluated in terms of testes weight, sperm quantity and motility, testes oxidative status and serum hormone levels. The alterations in testicular structure were examined by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Additionally, changes in proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression of testes were explored by western blot. RESULTS: Pelvic exposure to x-ray induced reduction in testes weight and sperm quality, along with oxidative stress and abnormal testicular architecture in testes. Oral administration of WZYZP for 3 weeks markedly increased testes weight, sperm quantity and motility, and attenuated testicular architecture damage. Meanwhile, WZYZP treatment significantly reversed the reduction of serum testosterone, and decreased testes malondialdehyde (MDA) and Oxidative stress index (OSI) relative to the radiated mice. Additionally, WZYZP effectively prevented the downregulation of PCNA expression in testes induced by x-ray irradiation. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest WZYZP exhibits ameliorating effects against ionizing irradiation-induced testicular damage in mice, which may be related to its antioxidation.