Effects of NAD+ precursors on blood pressure, C-reactive protein concentration and carotid intima-media thickness: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: There are contradictory effects regarding the effect of NAD+ precursor on blood pressure and inflammation. In order to obtain a better viewpoint from them, this study aimed to comprehensively investigate the effects of NAD+ precursor supplementation on blood pressure, C-reactive protein (CRP) and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT). METHODS: PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, SCOPUS and Embase databases were searched using standard keywords to identify all controlled trials investigating the effects of NAD+ precursor on blood pressure, CRP and CIMT. Pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were achieved by random-effects model analysis for the best estimation of outcomes. RESULTS: Twenty-nine articles (with 8664 participants) were included in this article. Results from meta-analyses of RCTs from random-effects models indicated a significant reduction in systolic (SBP) (weighted mean difference (WMD): -2.54 mmHg, p < .001) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (WMD: -2.15 mmHg, p < .001), as well as in CRP (WMD: -.93 mg/L, 95% CI -1.47 to -.40, p < .001) concentrations and CIMT (WMD: -.01 mm, 95% CI -.02 to -.00, p = .005) with the NAD+ precursors supplementation compared with the control group. In addition, a greater effect of supplementation with NAD+ precursors in reducing blood pressure (BP) were observed with the highest dose (≥2 g) and duration of the intervention (>12 weeks), as well as with NA supplementation when compared to NE. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, these findings suggest that NAD+ precursor supplementation might have a beneficial effect on cardiovascular risk factors such as BP, CRP concentration and CIMT.

Piperine ameliorates ischemic stroke-induced brain injury in rats by regulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Piperine (PIP), a main active component isolated from Piper nigrum L., exerts neuroprotective effects in a rat model of ischemic stroke (IS). However, studies on the effects of PIP on neuroprotection and autophagy after IS are limited. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to prove the protective effects of PIP against brain IS and elucidate its underlying mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Specific pathogen-free male Sprague-Dawley rats were selected to establish a permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion model. The experiment was randomly divided into six groups: sham group, model group, PIP intervention group (10, 20, and 30 mg/kg group), and nimodipine group (Nimo group, 12 mg/kg). Neurological function score, postural reflex score, body swing score, balance beam test, and grip strength test were used to detect behavioral changes of rats. The area of cerebral infarction was detected by TTC staining, and the number and morphological changes of neurons were observed by Nissl and HE staining. In addition, the ultrastructure of hippocampal dentate gyrus neurons was observed using a transmission electron microscope. Western blot was used to detect the expression of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway proteins and autophagy-related proteins, namely, Beclin1 and LC3, in the hippocampus and cortex. Cell experiments established an in vitro model of oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) with the HT22 cell line to verify the mechanism. The experiment was divided into five groups: control group, OGD group, OGD + PIP 20 µg/mL group, OGD + PIP 30 µg/mL group, and OGD + PIP 40 µg/mL group. CCK-8 was used to measure cell activity, and Western blot was used to measure the expression of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway proteins and autophagy-related proteins (Beclin1 and LC3). RESULTS: Compared with the model group, the neurological function scores, body swing scores, and postural reflex scores of rats in the 10, 20, and 30 mg/kg PIP intervention groups and Nimo groups decreased, whereas the balance beam score and grip test scores increased (all p < 0.05). After 10, 20, and 30 mg/kg PIP and Nimo intervention, the cerebral infarction area of pMCAO rats was reduced (p < 0.01), and Nissl and HE staining results showed that the number of neurons survived in the 30 mg/kg PIP and Nimo intervention groups increased. Cell morphology and structure were significantly improved (p < 0.05). Most of the hippocampal dentate gyrus neurons and their organelles gradually returned to normal in the 30 mg/kg PIP and Nimo intervention groups, with less neuronal damage. The expression levels of p-mTOR, p-AKT, and p-PI3K in the hippocampus and cortex of the 30 mg/kg PIP and Nimo intervention groups decreased, whereas the expression level of PI3K increased (all p < 0.05). In addition, the expression level of autophagy-related proteins, namely, Beclin1 and LC3-II, in the 30 mg/kg PIP and Nimo intervention groups decreased (all p < 0.05). Results of CCK-8 showed that after 1 h of OGD, the 30 and 40 µg/mL PIP intervention groups had higher cell viability than the OGD group (p < 0.01). Western blot results showed that compared with the OGD group, the expression level of p-mTOR, p-AKT, and p-PI3K in the 30 and 40 µg/mL PIP intervention groups decreased, and the expression level of PI3K increased (all p < 0.05). Moreover, the expression level of autophagy-related proteins, namely, Beclin1 and LC3-II, in the 30 and 40 µg/mL PIP intervention groups decreased (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that PIP is a potential compound with neuroprotective effects. PIP can inhibit the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and autophagy. Its inhibition of autophagy is possibly related to modulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. These findings provide new insights into the use of PIP for the treatment of IS and its underlying mechanism.

Hospitalization, interpersonal and personal factors of social anxiety among COVID-19 survivors at the six-month follow-up after hospital treatment: the minority stress model.

Background: As a highly infectious disease with human-to-human transmission characteristics, COVID-19 has caused panic in the general public. Those who have recovered from COVID-19 may experience discrimination and internalized stigma. They may be more likely to worry about social interaction and develop social anxiety. Objectives: This study investigated the associations among hospitalization factors, social/interpersonal factors, personal factors, and social anxiety to reveal the mechanism of social anxiety in COVID-19 survivors. Methods: A cross-sectional, multicenter telephone survey was conducted from July to September 2020 in five Chinese cities (i.e. Wuhan, Nanning, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, and Dongguan); adult COVID-19 survivors were recruited 6 months after they were discharged from the hospital. Linear regressions and path analysis based on the minority stress model were conducted to test the relationships among hospitalization, social/interpersonal factors, personal factors, and social anxiety. Results: The response rate was 74.5% (N = 199, 55.3% females). Linear regression analyses showed that various hospitalization, social/interpersonal, and personal factors were statistically significantly associated with social anxiety. Path analysis showed that the proposed model fit the data well (χ2(df) = 3.196(3), p = .362, CFI = .999, NNFI = .996, RMSEA = .018). Internalized stigma fully mediated the association between perceived discrimination/social support and social anxiety, while it partially mediated the association between perceived affiliate stigma and social anxiety. Conclusions: The results suggest that social/interpersonal and personal factors have a stronger association with social anxiety than hospitalization factors and highlight the importance of internalized stigma in understanding the mechanisms of these relationships. Clinical psychologists can refer to these modifiable psychosocial factors to develop efficient interventions for mental health promotion.

Antecedentes: Como una enfermedad altamente infecciosa con características de transmisión de persona a persona, el COVID-19 ha causado pánico en el público en general. Aquellos que se han recuperado del COVID-19 pueden experimentar discriminación y estigma internalizado. Es más probable que se preocupen por la interacción social y desarrollen ansiedad social.Objetivos: Este estudio investigó las asociaciones entre factores de hospitalización, factores sociales /interpersonales, factores personales y ansiedad social para revelar el mecanismo de ansiedad social en sobrevivientes de COVID-19.Métodos: Se realizó una encuesta telefónica transversal multicentro de julio a septiembre de 2020 en cinco ciudades chinas (es decir, Wuhan, Nanning, Shenzhen, Zhuhai y Dongguan). Se reclutaron sobrevivientes adultos de COVID-19 seis meses después de ser dados de alta del hospital. Se realizaron regresiones lineales y análisis de ruta basados en el modelo de estrés de minoría para probar las relaciones entre la hospitalización, los factores sociales/interpersonales, los factores personales y la ansiedad social.Resultados: La tasa de respuesta fue del 74,5% (N = 199, 55,3% mujeres). Los análisis de regresión lineal mostraron que varios factores de hospitalización, sociales/interpersonales y personales se asociaron de manera estadísticamente significativa con la ansiedad social. El análisis de ruta mostró que el modelo propuesto se ajustaba bien a los datos (χ2 (df) = 3.196 (3), p = .362, CFI = .999, NNFI = .996, RMSEA = .018). El estigma internalizado medió completamente la asociación entre discriminación/apoyo social percibido y ansiedad social, mientras que medió parcialmente la asociación entre el estigma percibido de afiliados y ansiedad social.Conclusiones: Los resultados sugieren que los factores sociales/interpersonales y personales tienen una asociación más fuerte con la ansiedad social que los factores de hospitalización y resaltan la importancia del estigma internalizado en la comprensión de los mecanismos de estas relaciones. Los psicólogos clínicos pueden referirse a estos factores psicosociales modificables para desarrollar intervenciones eficientes para la promoción de la salud mental.

Clinical Study on the Efficacy of Laparoscopic Hepatectomy and Its Influence on the Expression of Serum VEGF, FGF, and Immune Function.

Liver cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors. Partial hepatectomy is the most basic and effective treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma because of its high operative effect and perioperative safety. Open surgery is the most traditional hepatectomy. Although it can completely remove tumor lesions and prolong patient survival, it has disadvantages such as large trauma and long postoperative recovery time. Meanwhile, long-term bed rest can increase the risk of complications such as venous thrombosis and infection. The advantages of laparoscopic partial hepatectomy, such as clear operative field, simple operation, little trauma, light surgical stress, quick postoperative recovery, and low complications, can avoid damage to vital organs, blood vessels, and nerves, which has been widely accepted and recognized in clinical practice.

Does Serum Vitamin D Level Affect COVID-19 Infection and Its Severity?-A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: As effective medication to treat COVID-19 is currently unavailable, preventive remedies may be particularly important. OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) level and COVID-19 infection, its severity, and its clinical case characteristics. METHODS: This case-control study compared serum 25(OH)D levels and rates of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) between 80 healthy controls and 62 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and admitted to Guangxi People's Hospital, China, 2/16/2020-3/16/2020. Cases were categorized into asymptomatic, mild/moderate, and severe/critical disease. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the associations between 25(OH)D level, or VDD, and case status/severity of COVID-19 while controlling for demographics and comorbidities. A threshold level of vitamin D for conveying COVID-19 risk was estimated. RESULTS: Severe/critical COVID-19 cases were significantly older and had higher percentages of comorbidity (renal failure) compared to mild cases. The serum 25(OH)D concentration in COVID-19 patient was much lower than that in healthy control. And 25(OH)D level was the lowest in severe/critical cases, compared with mild cases. In further, significantly higher rates of VDD were found in COVID-19 cases (41.9%) compared to healthy controls (11.1%). And VDD was the greatest in severe/critical cases (80%), compared with mild cases (36%). These statistically significant associations remained even after controlling for demographics and comorbidities. A potential threshold of 25(OH)D (41.19 nmol/L) to protect against COVID-19 was identified. CONCLUSION: Elderly and people with comorbidities were susceptible to severe COVID-19 infection. VDD was a risk factor for COVID-19, especially for severe/critical cases. While further confirmation is needed, vitamin D supplementation may have prevention or treatment potential for COVID-19 disease.

[Effect of Trichinella spiralis infection on expression and distribution of colonic epithelial E-cadherin in mice and its mechanism].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of Trichinella spiralis (T.spiralis) infection on the expression and distribution of colonic epithelial E-cadherin in mice and its mechanism. METHODS: BALB/c mice and STAT6-/- mice were infected with T.spiralis, and mice without infection were used as control. Seven days later, the horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was infused by rectal enema. Serum HRP was detected in the subsequent 0, 60 and 120 minutes. Then the mice were sacrificed and colon was taken out. The distribution of E-cadherin in colon was detected by immunofluorescence staining, and the expression of E-cadherin was detected by Western blot. The expression of interleukin-4 (IL-4) in mesenteric lymph nodes was detected by ELISA. RESULTS: Serum HRP level in infected BALB/c mice was significantly higher than that in control mice (P<0.05), while it was not significantly different between infected STAT6-/- mice and controls (P>0.05). In infected BALB/c mice, E-cadherin located in cytoplasm of colonic epithelial cells, while in controls, it located in cellular membrane. E-cadherin expression down-regulated significantly in infected BALB/c mice as compared to controls. E-cadherin expression and distribution did not change obviously in infected STAT6-/- and control mice. IL-4 level in mesenteric lymph nodes of infected BALB/c mice [(193.0±12.5) µg/L] was significantly higher as compared to control BALB/c and infected STAT6-/- mice [(21.0±2.3) µg/L and (15.0±3.1) µg/L, all P<0.05]. CONCLUSION: T.spiralis infection can increase colonic epithelial permeability of mice, which may be associated with induction of Th2 cytokine secretion.

Crop diversity for yield increase.

Traditional farming practices suggest that cultivation of a mixture of crop species in the same field through temporal and spatial management may be advantageous in boosting yields and preventing disease, but evidence from large-scale field testing is limited. Increasing crop diversity through intercropping addresses the problem of increasing land utilization and crop productivity. In collaboration with farmers and extension personnel, we tested intercropping of tobacco, maize, sugarcane, potato, wheat and broad bean--either by relay cropping or by mixing crop species based on differences in their heights, and practiced these patterns on 15,302 hectares in ten counties in Yunnan Province, China. The results of observation plots within these areas showed that some combinations increased crop yields for the same season between 33.2 and 84.7% and reached a land equivalent ratio (LER) of between 1.31 and 1.84. This approach can be easily applied in developing countries, which is crucial in face of dwindling arable land and increasing food demand.