Mechanochemical synthesis of cysteine-gum acacia intermolecular complex for multiple metal(loid) sequestration from herbal extracts.

The ubiquitous heavy metal(loid)s (HMs) contamination has triggered great concern about food safety, while sequestration and separation of trace HMs from herbal extracts still calls for appropriate sorbent materials. In this work, gum acacia was modified by cysteine to form a cysteine-acacia intermolecular complex (Cys-GA complex) via facile mechanochemical synthesis, aiming at capturing multiple HMs simultaneously. Preliminary screening confirms the superiority of Cys-CA complex for both cationic and anionic HMs, and determines an optimum Cys/GA mass ratio of 9:1 to achieve high removal capacities for Pb(II) (938 mg g-1), Cd(II) (834 mg g-1), As(V) (496 mg g-1), and Cr(VI) (647 mg g-1) in simulated aqueous solution. The analysis on HMs-exhausted Cys-GA complex indicates that Pb(II), As(V), and Cr(VI) tend to be removed through chelation, electrostatic attraction, and reduction, while Cd(II) can only be chelated or adsorbed by electrostatic interaction. The batch experiments on commercial herbal (e.g. Panax ginseng, Glycine max, Sophora flavescens, Gardenia jasminoides, Cyclocarya paliurus, and Bamboo leaf) extracts indicate that Cys-GA complex can reduce HMs concentration to attain acceptable level that comply with International Organization for Standardization, with negligible negative effect on its active ingredients. This work provides a practical and convenient strategy to purify HMs-contaminated foods without introducing secondary pollution.

Chinese herbal medicine Buyang Huanwu Decoction in treatment of peripheral nerve injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral nerve injuries (PNI) resulting from trauma can be severe and permanently disabling, approximately one-third of PNIs demonstrate incomplete recovery and poor functional restoration. However, despite extensive research on this aspect, complete functional recovery remains a challenge. In East Asian countries, Chinese herbal Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BHD) has been used to treat PNI for more than 200 years, and the studies of BHD to treat PNI have been increasing in recent years based on positive clinical outcomes. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to scientifically evaluate the safety and clinical efficacy of BHD in patients with PNI. METHOD: A literature search was conducted on PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, and Sinomed databases for randomized controlled clinical trials that evaluated the safety and effects of BHD alone or combination treatment on PNI. RESULTS: A total of 14 studies involving 1415 participants were included in this study. Each trial did not show significant heterogeneity or publication bias. The results showed that significant improvements of the total clinical effective rate (odds ratio = 3.55; 95% confidence interval [CI] = [2.62, 4.81]; P < .0001), radial nerve function score (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 1.28; 95% CI = [1.09, 1.47]; P = .007), motor nerve conduction velocity (SMD = 1.59; 95% CI = [1.40, 1.78]; P < .0001), sensory nerve conduction velocity (SMD = 1.69; 95% CI = [1.34, 2.05]; P < .0001), and electromyography amplitude (SMD = 2.67; 95% CI = [1.27, 4.06]; P = .0002), and significantly reduce of the visual analog scale scores (SMD = -3.85; 95% CI = [-7.55, -0.15]; P = .04) in the BHD group compared with the control group. In addition, there were no serious and permanent adverse effects in the 2 groups, the difference was not significant (odds ratio = 1.00; 95% CI = [0.40, 2.50]; P = 1.00). CONCLUSION: Current evidence suggests that BHD is an effective and safe treatment for PNI and could be treated as a complementary and alternative option with few side effects compared to a single treatment with neurotrophic drugs or electrical stimulation. However, considering the low methodological quality of the included studies, further rigorous studies are required.

BmKK2, a thermostable Kv1.3 blocker from Buthus martensii Karsch (BmK) scorpion, inhibits the activation of macrophages via Kv1.3-NF-κB- NLRP3 axis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Inflammation plays pivotal role in the development of chronic diseases. Reducing chronic inflammation is an important strategy for preventing and managing many chronic diseases. In traditional Chinese medicine, the processed Buthus martensii Karsch (BmK) scorpion (also called "Quanxie") has been used to treat chronic inflammatory arthritis and spondylitis for hundreds of years suggests that "Quanxie" could potentially be utilized as a resource for identifying new anti-inflammatory compounds. However, the molecular basis and the underline mechanism for the anti-inflammatory effect of processed BmK scorpion are still unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY: The study aims to determine the potential involvement of macrophage-expressed Kv1.3 in the anti-inflammatory effect of processed BmK scorpion venom, as well as to identify new Kv1.3 blockers derived from processed BmK scorpion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, the in vivo and in vitro anti-inflammatory activities were determined using carrageenan-induced paw edema, LPS-induced sepsis mouse models and LPS-induced macrophage activation model respectively. The effect of processed BmK scorpion water extract, processed BmK venom and BmKK2 on different potassium channels were detected by whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings on transfected HEK293 cells or mouse BMDMs. The cytokines were detected using Q-PCR and competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. High performance liquid chromatography, SDS-PAGE and peptide Mass Spectrometry analysis were used to isolate and identify the BmKK2. SiRNA, western blotting and flow cytometry were used to analysis the anti-inflammatory mechanism of BmKK2. RESULTS: Here we demonstrate that BmKK2, a thermostable toxin targeting Kv1.3 is the critical anti-inflammatory component in the processed BmK scorpion. BmKK2 inhibits inflammation by targeting and inhibiting the activity of macrophage Kv1.3, thereby inhibiting the activation of NF-κB-NLRP3 pathway and the subsequent release of inflammatory factors. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide new insights into the molecular basis of the anti-inflammatory effects of "Quanxie" and highlight the importance of targeting Kv1.3 expressed on macrophages as an anti-inflammatory approach.

Towards low-carbon domestic circulation: Insights from the spatiotemporal variations and socioeconomic determinants of emissions embedded within cross-province trade in China.

For a country like China with unbalanced development pattern among provinces, domestic circulation (i.e., cross-province trade) is important for the long-term stability and prosperous development of economic market. However, with the rapid advance of integration of domestic regional economy, while expanding the internal market scale and deepening the provincial division of labor network for promoting the economic growth, the carbon emissions embedded within the cross-province traded products and services cannot be underestimated. Under the background of climate-trade dilemma, it is necessary to exploring the spatiotemporal variations and socioeconomic determinants of provincial "invisible" carbon emissions for a better understanding of trade-induced eco-environmental effects. To that end, this study developed an environmental-economic system model through integrating the environmentally extended multiregional input-output method and weighted average structural decomposition analysis technique to explore the trade-related emissions at the provincial level and generate the mitigation-management strategies for decisionmakers. Overall, more than half the emissions were embedded within cross-province goods and services trade over the whole study period. Furthermore, the distribution of traded emissions showed obvious spatial heterogeneity and great unbalance was existed between provincial imports and exports. Among all provinces, carbon surplus provinces were always more than deficit ones and the trading patterns of approximately 65% regions remained unchanged during 2007-2017. Remarkably, the emissions trading pattern undergone transition from carbon deficit to carbon surplus in provinces like Henan, Hubei, Guizhou, and so on. Conversely, provinces like Jilin, Shanghai, and Xinjiang showed opposite change. With the prevalence of online payment and electronic commerce in the future, the central and sub-national government could consider launching a pilot project for the design and creation of personal carbon consumption account in the carbon surplus provinces such as Guangdong, Henan, and Jiangsu. Meanwhile, for the provinces with larger carbon exports, it is necessary to establish the horizontal high technical transfer channels and vertical compensation mechanisms such as financial subsidies for improving the low-carbon production level. Our findings provided a holistic depict of national traded emissions at the provincial level, highlighting the importance of cross-province emission effect in exploring ways to promote the low-carbon transition of domestic circulation and fulfill the high-quality development of 'dual circulation' new pattern and successful achievement of 'double carbon' solemn commitment.

Near infrared optically responsive Ag-Cu bimetallic 2D nanocrystals with controllable spatial structures.

The optical properties of cost-effective Ag-Cu bimetallic nanocrystals, with synergistically enhanced catalytic and biological activities, are limited within ultraviolet-visible region due to lack of morphology control. In order to overcome this constraint, two-dimensional (2D) Ag-Cu bimetallic heterostructures were designed and synthesized by a seed-mediated colloidal growth method. The conformal Cu domain was epitaxially deposited on Ag nanoplates with different spatial configuration under retention of their 2D shape. Both of the 2D Ag-Cu core@shell and Janus structures display tunable localized surface plasmon resonance from visible to near infrared regions. The results of catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol show that the 2D Ag-Cu core@shell structure has better synergistic catalytic performance than Janus structure and Ag plates. In addition to surface-related synergistically enhanced bactericidal performance, their antibacterial effect can also be significantly enhanced by near infrared light irradiation. These results indicate that 2D Ag-Cu heterostructures can benefit from both synergistically improved surface activity and great optical responsive characteristics.

Mechanochemical-Assisted Extraction and Hepatoprotective Activity Research of Flavonoids from Sea Buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides L.) Pomaces.

Pomaces of sea buckthorn berry were usually side-products during the processing of juice. Due to a lack of an economical and effective extraction method, it was typically recognized as waste. For the purpose of resource utilization, the mechanochemical-assisted extraction (MCAE) method was applied to develop an ecofriendly extraction method and product with better pharmacology activity. The parameters were investigated through response surface methodology (RSM) design experiments. The processing conditions were optimized as follows: amount of Na2CO3 40%, ball-to-material rate 29:1 g/g, milling speed 410 rpm, milling time 24 min, extraction temperature 25 °C, extraction time 20 min and the solid-to-solution ratio 1:10 g/mL. Under these conditions, the yields of flavonoids from sea buckthorn pomaces were 26.82 ± 0.53 mg/g, which corresponds to an increase of 2 times in comparison with that extracted by the heat reflux extraction method. Meanwhile, the hepatoprotective activity of sea buckthorn pomaces extracts was studied by the liver injury induced by ip injection of tetracycline. Biochemical and histopathological studies showed that biomarkers in serum and liver of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) mice were significantly ameliorated when sea buckthorn flavonoids extracted by MCAE were used. Altogether, these results demonstrate that, as a green and efficient extraction, MCAE treatment could increase the extraction yield of sea buckthorn flavonoids, meanwhile it could exhibit significant activity of improving liver function. This research provided a new way to use pomaces of sea buckthorn as a functional food. It also has great value on the comprehensive utilization of nature's resources.

[Effect of self-made Qingyuan Shenghua decoction on coagulation dysfunction in patients with sepsis].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of self-made Qingyuan Shenghua decoction on coagulation dysfunction in patients with sepsis, and to explore its possible mechanism. METHODS: Eighty patients with sepsis and coagulation dysfunction admitted to the department of critical care medicine of Chengdu First People's Hospital from March 2018 to April 2020 were enrolled. The patients were divided into control group and observation group according to random number table method, with 40 cases in each group. Patients in both groups received basic treatment for sepsis. On this basis, the observation group was administrated with self-made Qingyuan Shenghua decoction, one dose a day, 100 mL in the morning and 100 mL in the evening; the control group was given the same amount of normal saline. Both groups were treated for 7 days. Prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), international normalized ratio (INR), fibrinogen (Fib), D-dimer, platelet count (PLT), white blood cell count (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), and procalcitonin (PCT) were measured before and after treatment, and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) were calculated. The length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, the incidence of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and 28-day mortality was recorded. RESULTS: The indexes of coagulation function and inflammation in the two groups were significantly improved after treatment, the improvement of various indexes in the observation group were better than those in the control group [PT (s): 16.01±1.08 vs. 19.21±1.38, APTT (s): 55.33±15.29 vs. 79.41±12.69, INR: 1.30±0.21 vs. 1.65±0.22, Fib (g/L): 2.87±0.89 vs. 5.44±1.13, D-dimer (mg/L): 2.56±1.67 vs. 6.41±2.42, PLT (×109/L): 125.79±18.51 vs. 95.46±18.50, WBC (×109/L): 7.50±0.78 vs. 12.75±4.09, CRP (mg/L): 21.27±9.32 vs. 65.44±13.40, PCT (µg/L): 1.15±0.58 vs. 6.31±1.29], and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). After treatment, APACHE II and SOFA scores in the two groups decreased significantly compared with those before treatment, and the decrease in the observation group were more obvious than those in the control group (APACHE II score: 10.29±1.86 vs. 15.35±2.06, SOFA score: 5.51±1.08 vs. 7.65±1.58, both P < 0.05). The length of ICU stay was shortened in the observation group than that in the control group (days: 12.22±9.48 vs. 20.22±15.35, P < 0.05). The incidence of MODS [35.0% (14/40) vs. 47.5% (19/40)] and the 28-day mortality [45.0% (18/40) vs. 47.5% (19/40)] was lower than that of the control group, but there was no statistical difference (both P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Self-made Qingyuan Shenghua decoction can effectively improve the prognosis of patients with coagulation dysfunction and sepsis, and its mechanism may be related to inhibition of inflammatory reaction and improvement of coagulation function.

Traditional Chinese medicine Bu-Shen-Jian-Pi-Fang attenuates glycolysis and immune escape in clear cell renal cell carcinoma: results based on network pharmacology.

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common malignant type of kidney cancer. The present study aims to explore the underlying mechanism and potential targets of the traditional Chinese medicine Bu-Shen-Jian-Pi-Fang (BSJPF) in the treatment of ccRCC based on network pharmacology. After obtaining the complete composition information for BSJPF from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform, we analyzed its chemical composition and molecular targets and then established a pharmacological interaction network. Twenty-four significantly differentially expressed genes and nine pathways mainly related to tumor proliferation were identified and screened. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that the potential targets might be significantly involved in glycolysis and the HIF-1 signaling pathway. To further confirm the effect of BSJPF on ccRCC cell proliferation, a BALB/c xenograft mouse model was constructed. Potential targets involved in regulating glycolysis and the tumor immune microenvironment were evaluated using RT-qPCR. VEGF-A expression levels were markedly decreased, and heparin binding-EGF expression was increased in the BSJPF group. BSJPF also inhibited tumor proliferation by enhancing GLUT1- and LDHA-related glycolysis and the expression of the immune checkpoint molecules PD-L1 and CTLA-4, thereby altering the immune-rejection status of the tumor microenvironment. In summary, the present study demonstrated that the mechanism of BSJPF involves multiple targets and signaling pathways related to tumorigenesis and glycolysis metabolism in ccRCC. Our research provides a novel theoretical basis for the treatment of tumors with traditional Chinese medicine and new strategies for immunotherapy in ccRCC patients.

Network pharmacological systems study of Huang-Lian-Tang in the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) has a poor prognosis and its recurrence and mortality rates are high. At present, there is no effective clinical method to control its progression and recurrence. Traditional Chinese Medicine has a high status not only in China, but also in the world. Certain drugs are also used in the clinical treatment of tumor diseases. In clinical practice, Huang-Lian-Tang (HLT) has proven efficacy in treating brain diseases and preventing tumor recurrence. However, the mechanisms of action have remained elusive. The present study explored the potential mechanisms of HLT in the treatment of gliomas based on network pharmacology. First, information on the composition of HLT was obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform, and the composition and targets of the chemical substances contained in the herbs were analyzed. Subsequently, a pharmacological interaction network for HLT was built. Furthermore, the expressed genes of patients with GBM were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus database and screened. A protein-protein interaction network was then constructed for both sets of data and they were combined with a topology method for analysis. Finally, the screened genes were subjected to enrichment analysis and pathway analysis. A total of 386 candidate targets and 7 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were screened, which were mainly associated with amino acid metabolism. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis and KEGG signal pathway analysis indicated that these targets are involved in anti-apoptosis, anti-oxidative stress, multicellular biological processes and other physiological and pathological processes related to the occurrence and development of GBM. In conclusion, the present results indicated that the mechanisms of action of HLT against GBM involve multiple targets and signaling pathways that are related to tumorigenesis and progression. The present study not only provided a novel theoretical basis for Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat tumors but also novel ideas for the treatment of GBM.

Antihyperuricemic and nephroprotective effects of extracts from Orthosiphon stamineus in hyperuricemic mice.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the antihyperuricemia and nephroprotective effects of Orthosiphon stamineus extracts on hyperuricemia (HUA) mice and explore the potential mechanisms. METHODS: Orthosiphon stamineus extracts were extracted using 50% ethanol and enriched using ethyl acetate, and characterised utilising UPLC/ESI-MS. A potassium oxonate (PO) induced hyperuricemic mouse model was used to evaluate antihyperuricemia and nephroprotective effects of O. stamineus ethyl acetate extracts (OSE). KEY FINDINGS: Eight constituents from OSE were identified and OSE treatment ameliorated HUA by regulating key indicators of kidney dysfunction and xanthine oxidase, adenosine deaminase activity and urate transporters in hyperuricemic mice. Moreover, in renal histopathology analysis, OSE significantly alleviated kidney injury. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that OSE has antihyperuricemic and nephroprotective effects on PO-induced HUA mice and those results indicate that OSE could be a safe and effective agent or functional ingredient for treating HUA.

Tumor growth velocity: A modified tumor growth rate defining tumor progression during sorafenib treatment in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the role of tumor growth velocity in defining tumor progression in metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients treated with the vascular endothelial growth factor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, sorafenib. METHODS: A modified calculation for tumor growth velocity was introduced to evaluate the tumor growth velocity, before and after sorafenib withdrawal. Known prognostic factors together with tumor growth velocity before drug withdrawal and tumor growth velocity after drug withdrawal were compared using a χ2 -test from a contingency table, and partial likelihood test from a Cox regression model for overall survival. RESULTS: A total of 114 patients who reached progressive disease and withdrew from sorafenib were enrolled after a median follow-up period of 107.8 months. Tumor growth velocity before drug withdrawal was 7.347 ± 4.040, and tumor growth velocity after drug withdrawal was 11.647 ± 5.937 (P < 0.001). Higher tumor growth velocity before drug withdrawal was correlated with a higher risk Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center score (P = 0.022), Karnofsky Performance Status <80 (P = 0.028), non-clear cell carcinoma (P = 0.037), higher tumor nucleus grade (P < 0.001) and best treatment response (P < 0.001). Patients with tumor growth velocity before drug withdrawal >5.0 had shorter overall survival (P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, factors associated with overall survival were high/intermediate Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center risk score (hazard ratio 2.119, P = 0.006), non-clear histological subtype (hazard ratio 1.900, P = 0.031), tumor growth velocity before drug withdrawal ≥5.0 (hazard ratio 2.758, P < 0.001) and progressive disease as best response (hazard ratio 2.069, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Significantly faster tumor growth can be observed if sorafenib is discontinued in the case of disease progression. Thus, we suggest not to withdraw targeted agents until tumor growth velocity is >5.0.

Microinjection and Micromanipulation: A Historical Perspective.

Microinjection/micromanipulation is more than 100 years old. It is a technique that is instrumental in biomedical research and healthcare. Its longevity lies in its preciseness in mechanical retrieval, or delivery of biological materials, which in some cases is simply necessary or more effective than other retrieval/delivery means. Microinjection is favored for its straightforwardness in transferring contents from micromolecules to macromolecules and from organelles to cells. Microinjection/micromanipulation has been practiced over the century like an art form. Variations in handlings and instruments can be tolerated to a surprising degree with satisfactory outcomes. Throughout the century, microinjection developed as an indispensable tool along with the evolution of biomedical fields: from transgenics to gene targeting, from animal cloning to human infertility treatment, from nuclease-guided genetic engineering to RNA-guided genome editing (Fig. 1). The birth of the CRISPRology rejuvenated microinjection. For microinjection/micromanipulation, the second century has already begun with the early arrival of computerized instrumentation and lately of the high-throughput nanomanipulators potentially operable by artificial intelligence. As we yin-yang both systemic and precision approaches in research and medicine, microinjection will no doubt continue to find its unique place in the future.

Effects of anthraquinones from Cassia occidentalis L. on ovalbumin-induced airways inflammation in a mouse model of allergic asthma.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Cassia occidentalis Linn. is a traditional ayruvedic edible shrub containing anthraquinones (AQs) as the principle active constituents. In folk medicine, it has a variety of uses including treatment of whooping cough ('pertussis') and inflammatory diseases. Despite these applications, limited data are available to validate the effects of C. occidentalis AQs on airways inflammation in asthma. AIM OF THE STUDY: To explore the anti-inflammatory potential of AQs extracted from C. occidentalis using an in vivo model of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Extraction and optimization of AQs from C. occidentalis was performed by mechanochemistry. Allergic asthma in BALB/c mice was sensitized and challenged by OVA, and the effects of AQs investigated in a mouse model. OVA-specific IgE concentrations in serum, and Th1/Th2 cytokine (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and IFN-γ) concentrations, inflammatory cell counts and classification in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were determined. Histopathological evaluation of lung tissue was performed using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), and periodic acid-schiff (PAS) staining. Th1/Th2 cytokine mRNA expression was analyzed using the 2-ΔΔCt method. RESULTS: Treatment with AQs decreased inflammatory cell counts and production of Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13) in BALF, and OVA-specific IgE in serum. In contrast,Th1 cytokine IFN-γ production in BALF was promoted. AQs also decreased mRNA expression of Th1/Th2 cytokine in lung tissue. Histological studies demonstrated that AQs substantially inhibited OVA-induced cellular infiltration, mucus hypersecretion and goblet cell hyperplasia in the lung. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrated the inhibitory effects of AQs, derived from C. occidentalis, on OVA-induced allergic asthma in mice. The results suggest a promising ethnopharmacological use for AQs in patients with asthma.

Selective Extraction of Gardenia Yellow and Geniposide from Gardenia jasminoides by Mechanochemistry.

A novel method for the selective extraction of gardenia yellow and geniposide from Gardenia Jasminoides, based on a mechanochemical method is described. Without the need of complex separation techniques, gardenia yellow compliant with the national standard could be extracted in a simple fashion. The optimal ball-milling conditions determined were as follows: 30% g/g. active carbon milling at 200 rpm in a planetary mill for 5 min. The extraction conditions of the milled mixtures were as follows: the milled mixtures were extracted with water (liquid-solid ratio 10:1) at 20 °C for 5 min with yields 85% of total geniposide, followed by extraction with 80% ethanol solution (liquid-solid ratio 5:1) and 1% g/g. Tween 20 at 75 °C for 5 min to yield 1.45% ± 0.108% g/g of gardenia yellow. The mechanism of this selective extraction was demonstrated to follow a microstructure change of activated carbon, which occurred during milling and lead to alteration of the corresponding desorption capacities. Compared with traditional extraction methods, this novel extraction technique greatly simplifies the separation process, and proves to be advantageous in terms of low organic solvent consumption, easy operation, rapid process and high efficiency.

Treatment of petroleum refinery wastewater using a sequential anaerobic-aerobic moving-bed biofilm reactor system based on suspended ceramsite.

In this study, a novel suspended ceramsite was prepared, which has high strength, optimum density (close to water), and high porosity. The ceramsite was used to feed a moving-bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) system with an anaerobic-aerobic (A/O) arrangement to treat petroleum refinery wastewater for simultaneous removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and ammonium. The hydraulic retention time (HRT) of the anaerobic-aerobic MBBR system was varied from 72 to 18 h. The anaerobic-aerobic system had a strong tolerance to shock loading. Compared with the professional emission standard of China, the effluent concentrations of COD and NH3-N in the system could satisfy grade I at HRTs of 72 and 36 h, and grade II at HRT of 18 h. The average sludge yield of the anaerobic reactor was estimated to be 0.0575 g suspended solid/g CODremoved. This work demonstrated that the anaerobic-aerobic MBBR system using the suspended ceramsite as bio-carrier could be applied to achieving high wastewater treatment efficiency.