A novel polymer enabled by polymerized small molecule strategy for tumor photothermal and photodynamic therapy.

Photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) are effective method for tumor treatment. However, the limited variety and quantity of photothermal agents (PTAs) and photosensitizer (PSs) are still major challenges. Moreover, the cell apoptosis mechanism induced by PDT and PTT is still elusive. A fused-ring small molecule acceptor-donor acceptor' donor-acceptor (A-DA'D-A) type of Y5 (Scheme 1) has a narrow band-gap and strong light absorption. Herein, we used Y5 to polymerize with thiophene unit to obtain polymer PYT based on polymerized small molecule strategy, and PYT nanoparticles (PYT NPs) was prepared via one-step nanoprecipitation strategy with DSPE-PEG2000. PYT NPs had excellent biocompatibility, good photostability, high photothermal conversion efficiency (67%) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production capacity under 808 nm laser irradiation (PYT NPs + NIR). In vitro and in vivo experiments revealed that PYT NPs + NIR had the ability to completely ablate tumor cells. It was demonstrated that cell apoptosis induced by PYT NPs + NIR was closely related to mitochondrial damage. This study provides valuable guidance for constructing high-performance organic PTAs and PSs for tumor treatment. Scheme 1 PYT enabled by polymerized small molecule strategy for tumor photothermal and photodynamic therapy.

[Effects of maize and peanut co-ridge intercropping on crop photosynthetic characteristics and intercropping advantages]. / çŽ‰ç±³å’ŒèŠ±ç”ŸåŒåž„é—´ä½œå¯¹ä½œç‰©å ‰åˆç‰¹æ€§å’Œé—´ä½œä¼˜åŠ¿çš„å½±å“.

To clarify the photosynthetic mechanism contributing to the enhancement of intercropping advantages through co-ridge intercropping of maize and peanut, we conducted a field randomized block experiment under two phosphorus levels of 0(P0) and 180 kg P2O5·hm-2(P180) with flat intercropping of maize and peanut (FIC) as the control. We analyzed the effects of co-ridge intercropping of maize and peanut (RIC) and groove-ridge intercropping of maize and peanut (GIC) on crop leaf area index (LAI), SPAD values, CO2 carboxylation ability, photosystems coordination (ΦPSⅠ/PSⅡ), and intercropping advantage of yield. The results showed that RIC significantly increased SPAD value at the silking stage of intercropping maize, and significantly improved the apparent quantum yield of photosynthesis (AQY), maximum electron transfer rate (Jmax), maximum rate of Rubisco carboxylation (Vc,max), net photosynthetic rate at the CO2 saturation (Amax) and ΦPSⅠ/PSⅡ of intercropping maize compared with those of FIC and GIC at silking stage and milking stage, but reduced the ratio of variable fluorescence Fk to amplitude Fj-Fo(Wk) and the ratio of variable fluorescence Fj to amplitude Fp-Fo(Vj) of the functional leaf photosystem Ⅱ (PSⅡ) at the milking stage of maize. There were no significant differences in these parameters between FIC and GIC. Compared with FIC, both RIC and GIC increased LAI of intercropping peanut at late growth stage and SPAD value at pod setting stage, significantly improved Vc,max, Amax, and ΦPSⅠ/PSⅡ, and reduced Wk and Vj values of intercropping peanut functional leaves at pod expanding stage. The difference in these parameters between RIC and GIC were not significant. The land equivalent ratio and intercropping advantages of RIC were higher than those of FIC and GIC. Phosphorus application could further promote Vc,max, Jmax, Amax and ΦPSⅠ/PSⅡ of intercropping maize and peanut, and significantly improve yield advantages of intercropping. The findings indicated that co-ridge intercropping could enhance CO2 carboxylation and fixation by improving photosynthetic electron transport and pho-tosystems coordination, improve the photosynthetic rate of functional leaves of maize and peanut, thus increase crop yield and intercropping advantages.

Preparation, Structural Characterization, and Stability of Low-Molecular-Weight Collagen Peptides-Calcium Chelate Derived from Tuna Bones.

This study was conducted to prepare calcium chelate of low-molecular-weight tuna bone collagen peptides (TBCPLMW) with a high chelation rate and to identify its structural characteristics and stability. The optimum conditions for calcium chelation of TBCPLMW (TBCPLMW-Ca) were determined through single-factor experiments and response surface methodology, and the calcium-chelating capacity reached over 90% under the optimal conditions. The amino acid compositions implied that Asp and Glu played important roles in the formation of TBCPLMW-Ca. Structural characterizations determined via spectroscopic analyses revealed that functional groups such as -COO-, N-H, C=O, and C-O were involved in forming TBCPLMW-Ca. The particle size distributions and scanning electron microscopy results revealed that folding and aggregation of peptides were found in the chelate. Stability studies showed that TBCPLMW-Ca was relatively stable under thermal processing and more pronounced changes have been observed in simulated gastric digestion, presumably the acidic environment was the main factor causing the dissociation of the TBCPLMW-Ca. The results of this study provide a scientific basis for the preparation of a novel calcium supplement and is beneficial for comprehensive utilization of tuna bones.

China's application of the One Health approach in addressing public health threats at the human-animal-environment interface: Advances and challenges.

Background: Due to emerging issues such as global climate change and zoonotic disease pandemics, the One Health approach has gained more attention since the turn of the 21st century. Although One Health thinking has deep roots and early applications in Chinese history, significant gaps exist in China's real-world implementation at the complex interface of the human-animal-environment. Methods: We abstracted the data from the global One Health index study and analysed China's performance in selected fields based on Structure-Process-Outcome model. By comparing China to the Belt & Road and G20 countries, the advances and gaps in China's One Health performance were determined and analysed. Findings: For the selected scientific fields, China generally performs better in ensuring food security and controlling antimicrobial resistance and worse in addressing climate change. Based on the SPO model, the "structure" indicators have the highest proportion (80.00%) of high ranking and the "outcome" indicators have the highest proportion (20.00%) of low ranking. When compared with Belt and Road countries, China scores above the median in almost all indicators (16 out of 18) under the selected scientific fields. When compared with G20 countries, China ranks highest in food security (scores 72.56 and ranks 6th), and lowest in climate change (48.74, 11th). Conclusion: Our results indicate that while China has made significant efforts to enhance the application of the One Health approach in national policies, it still faces challenges in translating policies into practical measures. It is recommended that a holistic One Health action framework be established for China in accordance with diverse social and cultural contexts, with a particular emphasis on overcoming data barriers and mobilizing stakeholders both domestically and globally. Implementation mechanisms, with clarified stakeholder responsibilities and incentives, should be improved along with top-level design.

Quercetin Ameliorates Diabetic Kidney Injury by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Activating Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is thought to be the major cause of end-stage renal disease. Due to its complicated pathogenesis and the low efficacy of DN treatment, a deep understanding of new etiological factors may be useful. Ferroptosis, a nonapoptotic form of cell death, is characterized by the accumulation of iron-dependent lipid peroxides to lethal levels. Ferroptosis-triggered renal tubular injury is reported to participate in the development of DN, and blocking ferroptosis might be an effective strategy to prevent the development of DN. Quercetin (QCT), a natural flavonoid that is present in a variety of fruits and vegetables, has been reported to ameliorate DN. However, its underlying nephroprotective mechanism is unclear. Herein, we explored the antiferroptosic effect of QCT and verified its nephroprotective effect using DN mice and high glucose (HG)-incubated renal tubular epithelial cell models. We found HG-induced abnormal activation of ferroptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells, and QCT treatment inhibited ferroptosis by downregulating the expression of transferrin receptor 1 (TFR-1) and upregulating the expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH-1), and the cystine/glutamate reverse antiporter solute carrier family 7 member (SLC7A11) in DN mice and HG-incubated HK-2 cells. Subsequently, both in vitro and in vivo results confirmed that QCT activated the NFE2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/Heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) signaling pathway by increasing the levels of Nrf2 and HO-1. Therefore, this study supports that QCT inhibits the ferroptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells by regulating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, providing a novel insight into the protective mechanism of QCT in DN treatment.

Synthesis, Characterization of Low Molecular Weight Chitosan Selenium Nanoparticles and Its Effect on DSS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Mice.

Selenium nanoparticles have attracted extensive attention due to their good bioavailability and activity. In the present study, a new form of selenium nanoparticle (Low molecular weight chitosan selenium nanoparticles (LCS-SeNPs)) were synthesized in a system of sodium selenite and acetic acid. The size, element state, morphology and elementary composition of LCS-SeNPs were characterized by using various spectroscopic and microscopic measurements. The protection of LCS-SeNPs against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction and the inherent mechanisms of this process were investigated. The results showed that LCS-SeNPs, with an average diameter of 198 nm, zero-valent and orange-red relatively uniform spherical particles were prepared. LCS-SeNPs were mainly composed of C, N, O and Se elements, of which Se accounted for 39.03% of the four elements C, N, O and Se. LCS-SeNPs reduced colon injury and inflammation symptoms and improved intestinal barrier dysfunction. LCS-SeNPs significantly reduced serum and colonic inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 levels. Moreover, LCS-SeNPs remarkably increased antioxidant enzyme GSH-Px levels in serum and colonic tissue. Further studies on inflammatory pathways showed that LCS-SeNPs alleviated DSS-induced colitis through the NF-κB signaling pathway, and relieved inflammatory associated oxidative stress through the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Our findings suggested that LCS-SeNPs are a promising selenium species with potential applications in the treatment of oxidative stress related inflammatory intestinal diseases.

Expression of LncRNA-BCYRN1 in pediatric asthma and related factors of disease induction.

The study aimed to investigate the expression of lncRNA-BCYRN1 in serum of pediatric asthma patients and the related factors of disease induction. For this purpose, a total of 95 patients were randomly selected from the outpatient department of pediatrics of a hospital affiliated with the medical university from October 2018 to October 2019, including 25 intermittent episodes, 25 mild persistent episodes, 20 moderate persistent episodes, and 20 severe persistent episodes. In addition, serum samples from 30 healthy control children were selected for comparison. The expression levels of lncRNA-BCYRN1 and the inflammatory factors IL-4, IL-12, IL-37, 25-(OH)D in serum were detected by real-time quantitative fluorescence PCR(qrt-PCR), and the influence of the expression of lncRNA-BCYRN1 on the prognosis of children and its correlation with the expression of TNF-a and IgE were analyzed. Results: the expression of LncRNA BCYRN1 was positively correlated with the expression of TNF-α and IgE (r=0.712, 0.748, all P<0.001). Serum IL-4 levels in each group were 21.06±2.93pg/ml, 23.88±3.91pg/ ml, 25.85±4.02pg/ml, and 17.74±1.77pg/ml, respectively. Serum IL-4 levels in each group were higher than those in the normal control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). The levels of IL-12, IL-37 and 25-(OH)D in all the affected groups were decreased compared with the normal control group, while the serum levels of IL-37 were negatively correlated with IL-4 and positively correlated with IL-12 and 25-(OH)D. Conclusion: serum IL-4 level of children in the disease group was increased, indicating hyperexpression of Th2 cell function, and serum IL-12 and IL-37 levels were decreased, suggesting decreased Th1 cell function, indicating Th1/Th2 imbalance in children with asthma. The low serum vitamin D level of children in the disease group was negatively correlated with serum IL-4 level and positively correlated with IL-12 and IL-37 levels, which may be the trigger factor of inflammation in asthmatic diseases and should be supplemented in clinical treatment. The expression level of lncRNA-BCYRN1 is related to the severity of pediatric asthma, which can be used as a prognostic indicator and has a certain effect on the prognosis of clinical pediatric asthma.

Efficacy and safety of epidural anesthesia versus local anesthesia in percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: For some patients, local anesthesia (LA) in percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED), especially during canal shaping and discectomy, is insufficient for analgesia. Epidural anesthesia (EA) is infrequently applied in PTED but reports satisfactory results. Previous studies present conflicting results in analgesia satisfactory and adverse events. Differences in surgery details and small sample size might explain conflicting results. Meta-analysis pools the results from individual studies to create a larger sample size and provides a more reliable conclusion. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of EA in PTED. METHODS: The search terms "percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy" and "anesthesia" are used to search Cochrane, Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, OVID, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP, and Wanfang from inception to 2021-08. Inclusion criteria is defined according to PICOS principals: P (patients): patients are diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation or spinal canal stenosis. I (intervention): patients undergo PTED under EA. C (comparisons): patients undergo PTED under LA. O (outcomes): primary outcomes: intraoperative visual analogue scale (VAS), anesthesia satisfactory, sufentanil usage. Secondary outcomes: adverse events, surgery exit, bleed volume, X-ray radiation. S (study design): randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The Cochrane RoB 2.0 is used to evaluate the quality of the included studies. Authors perform meta-analysis through Review Manager 5.4. RESULTS: A total of 6 studies representing 529 patients are included: EA group includes 261 patients, and LA group includes 268 patients. All studies lack design of allocation concealment and blinding of participants and personnel. Only Luo reports blinding of outcome assessment in 2019. Meta analysis concludes that EA is superior in intraoperative analgesic [mean difference (MD) =-4.31; 95% confidence interval (CI): -4.52 to -4.09; P<0.00001], anesthesia satisfactory [odds ratio (OR) =10.06; 95% CI: 2.41 to 41.98; P=0.002], sufentanil usage (MD =-9.12; 95% CI: -10.34 to -7.90; P<0.00001), adverse events (OR =0.19; 95% CI: 0.07 to 0.52; P=0.001). There is no difference in bleed volume (MD =-2.61; 95% CI: -5.45 to 0.23; P=0.07), exit rate (OR =0.23; 95% CI: 0.04 to 1.35; P=0.10) and future effects (MD =-0.23; 95% CI: -0.50 to 0.03; P=0.08). DISCUSSION: EA is an effective and safe anesthesia method for PTED and might achieve better clinical results than LA. More high-quality research is needed to provide high-quality evidence for efficacy and safety.

Metabolic Behaviors of Aconitum Alkaloids in Different Concentrations of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata and Effects of Aconitine in Healthy Human and Long QT Syndrome Cardiomyocytes.

Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata (Fu Zi) is the processed lateral root of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx, which is widely used in emergency clinics. Poisoning incidents and adverse reactions occur with the improper intake of Fu Zi. Metabolic characteristics of aconitum alkaloids of Fu Zi may vary, and the effects of Fu Zi in healthy and Long QT syndrome (LQTS) patients is unknown. In this experiment, 24 Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: 2.0, 1.0, and 0.5 g/kg dose groups, and blood samples were collected after the oral administration of Fu Zi extract. We used an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry system to detect the concentrations of six aconitum alkaloids. Cell toxicity, calcium imaging, and patch-clamp recordings of human induced pluripotent stem cells-cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) of aconitine in healthy and LQTS were observed. We found that the AUC(0-48h), Cmax, and t1/2 of the six compounds increased with the multiplicative dosages; those in the high group were significantly higher than those in the low group. Aconitine concentration-dependently decreased the amplitude, which has no significant effect on the cell index of normal hiPSC-CMs. Aconitine at 5.0 µM decreased the cell index between 5-30 min for LQTS hiPSC-CMs. Meanwhile, aconitine significantly increased the frequency of calcium transients in LQTS at 5 µM. Aconitine significantly shortened the action potential duration of human cardiomyocytes in both normal and LQTS groups. These results show metabolic behaviors of aconitum alkaloids in different concentrations of Fu Zi and effects of aconitine in healthy and LQTS patients.

Analysis of the Effect of Laparoscopic and Open Surgical Treatment in Children with Congenital Megacolon.

In this paper, we have compared and analyzed the effect of laparoscopic and open surgical treatments in children with congenital megacolon. To address this, a total of 64 children with congenital megacolon who underwent surgery in the hospital, particularly from April 2014 to December 2020, were selected as the research objects. They were divided into control and observation groups by the random number table method, with 32 cases in each group. The control and observation groups were treated with open surgical and laparoscopic treatments, respectively. The treatment effects of the two groups were compared. The enema time, operation time, blood loss, anal defecation time, and duration of postoperative hospital stay of the observation group were lower than those of the control group. The comparison between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in CRP and WBC between the two groups before surgery (P > 0.05). The CRP level and WBC of the two groups were both increased after operation, the CRP level of the observation group was lower than that of the control group, the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05), the WBC of the two groups was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The rate of excellent and good defecation in the observation group on the 7th day after surgery was higher than that in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in Krickenbeck scores between the two groups before surgery (P > 0.05); 6 months after the surgery, the score of Krickenbeck in both groups increased, and that of the observation group was higher than that of the control group, indicating a difference in the overall score (P < 0.05). The total complication rate within 7 days after surgery in the observation group was lower than that in the control group, and the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Laparoscopic treatment of congenital megacolon could improve surgical indicators and reduce stress response in children, improve defecation and anal function, reduce the risk of complications, and promote recovery.

Cardioprotective effects of alantolactone on isoproterenol-induced cardiac injury and cobalt chloride-induced cardiomyocyte injury.

OBJECTIVES: Alantolactone (AL) is a compound extracted from the roots of Inula Racemosa that has shown beneficial effects in cardiovascular disease. However, the cardioprotective mechanism of AL against hypoxic/ischemic (H/I) injury is still unclear. This research aimed to determine AL's ability to protect the heart against isoproterenol (ISO)-induced MI injury in vivo and cobalt chloride (CoCl2) induced H/I injury in vitro. METHODS: Electrocardiography (ECG), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) assays in addition to histological analysis of the myocardium were used to investigate the effects of AL in vivo. Influences of AL on L-type Ca2+ current (ICa-L) in isolated rat myocytes were observed by the patch-clamp technique. Furthermore, cell viability, apoptosis, oxidative stress injury, mitochondrial membrane potential, and intracellular Ca2+ concentration were examined in vitro. RESULTS: The results indicated that AL treatment ameliorated the morphological and ECG changes associated with MI, and decreased levels of LDH, CK, and cTnI. Furthermore, pretreatment with AL elevated antioxidant enzyme activity and suppressed ROS production. AL prevented H/I-induced apoptosis, mitochondria damage, and calcium overload while reducing ICa-L in a concentration and time dependent fashion. The 50% inhibiting concentration (IC50) and maximal inhibitory effect (Emax) of AL were 17.29 µmol/L and 57.73 ± 1.05%, respectively. CONCLUSION: AL attenuated MI-related injury by reducing oxidative stress, apoptosis, calcium overload, and mitochondria damage. These cardioprotective effects may be related to the direct inhibition of ICa-L.

Efficacy of Renshen (Radix Ginseng) plus Fuzi (Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata) on myocardial infarction by enhancing autophagy in rat.

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the protective effects of Renshen (Radix Ginseng) and Fuzi (Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata) on myocardial infarction (MI) through regulating myocardial autophagy. METHODS: Thirty-one male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into five groups (n = 6 or 7 for each). After treatment for 3 weeks, electrocardiogram ( ECG ) and cardiac function were recorded. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to detect pathological changes in the heart. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum B-type brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), cardiac troponin T (cTnT), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and serum inflammatory cytokines. Metabolomic analysis was used to identify differential biomarkers of MI in rats. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting were used to detect BNP, cTnT, TNF-α, LC3B, Beclin-1, p62, and adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK) expression in cardiac tissue. RESULTS: Fuzi (Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata) alone or Renshen (Radix Ginseng) plus Fuzi (Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata) markedly ameliorated cardiac dysfunction and abnormal ECGs, demonstrated by decreases in the heart weight/body weight ratio, BNP, and cTnT. Pro-inflammation cytokine interleukin (IL)-1α significantly decreased and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 significantly increased in Renshen (Radix Ginseng) single or Renshen (Radix Ginseng) plus Fuzi (Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata) groups compared with the control group. HE results suggested that co-treatment produced a greater reduction in cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area than Renshen (Radix Ginseng) or Fuzi (Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata) alone. Renshen (Radix Ginseng) plus Fuzi (Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata) reversed these changes to different degrees in MI rats. Furthermore, Renshen (Radix Ginseng) plus Fuzi (Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata) down-regulated LC3B, Beclin-1, and AMPK expression in cardiac tissue and upregulated p62 expression. CONCLUSIONS: Renshen (Radix Ginseng) plus Fuzi (Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata) may have a greater effect on heart injury induced by MI in rats than Fuzi (Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata) treatment alone, and the underlying mechanism may be associated with the regulation of myocardial autophagy and anti-inflammation effects. These results provide fresh insight into the mechanism of co-treatment with Renshen (Radix Ginseng) and Fuzi (Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata) for MI.

Ameliorative Effects of Peptides Derived from Oyster (Crassostrea gigas) on Immunomodulatory Function and Gut Microbiota Structure in Cyclophosphamide-Treated Mice.

The intestinal flora is recognized as a significant contributor to the immune system. In this research, the protective effects of oyster peptides on immune regulation and intestinal microbiota were investigated in mice treated with cyclophosphamide. The results showed that oyster peptides restored the indexes of thymus, spleen and liver, stimulated cytokines secretion and promoted the relative mRNA levels of Th1/Th2 cytokines (IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-10). The mRNA levels of Occludin, Claudin-1, ZO-1, and Mucin-2 were up-regulated, and the NF-κB signaling pathway was also activated after oyster peptides administration. Furthermore, oyster peptides treatment reduced the proportion of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes, increased the relative abundance of Alistipes, Lactobacillus, Rikenell and the content of short-chain fatty acids, and reversed the composition of intestinal microflora similar to that of normal mice. In conclusion, oyster peptides effectively ameliorated cyclophosphamide-induced intestinal damage and modified gut microbiota structure in mice, and might be utilized as a beneficial ingredient in functional foods for immune regulation.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Mytilus coruscus Polysaccharide on RAW264.7 Cells and DSS-Induced Colitis in Mice.

Considerable literature has been published on polysaccharides, which play a critical role in regulating the pathogenesis of inflammation and immunity. In this essay, the anti-inflammatory effect of Mytilus coruscus polysaccharide (MP) on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis model in mice was investigated. The results showed that MP effectively promoted the proliferation of RAW264.7 cells, ameliorated the excessive production of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10), and inhibited the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. For DSS-induced colitis in mice, MP can improve the clinical symptoms of colitis, inhibit the weight loss of mice, reduce the disease activity index, and have a positive effect on the shortening of the colon caused by DSS, meliorating intestinal barrier integrity and lowering inflammatory cytokines in serum. Moreover, MP makes a notable contribution to the richness and diversity of the intestinal microbial community, and also regulates the structural composition of the intestinal flora. Specifically, mice treated with MP showed a repaired Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and an increased abundance of some probiotics like Anaerotruncus, Lactobacillus, Desulfovibrio, Alistipe, Odoribacter, and Enterorhabdus in colon. These data suggest that the MP could be a promising dietary candidate for enhancing immunity and protecting against ulcerative colitis.

Salvia miltiorrhiza (SM) Injection Ameliorates Iron Overload-Associated Cardiac Dysfunction by Regulating the Expression of DMT1, TfR1, and FP1 in Rats.

Previous studies have found that Salvia miltiorrhiza (SM) injection have a protective effect on the iron overloaded (IO) heart. However, the mechanisms are not completely known. In the present study, we investigated the underlying mechanisms based on the iron transport-related proteins. The rats were randomly divided into five groups: control, IO group, low-dose SM group, high-dose SM group, and deferoxamine control group. Iron dextran was injected to establish the IO model. After 14 days of treatment, cardiac histological changes were observed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Iron uptake-related proteins divalent metal transporter-1 (DMT-1), transferrin receptor-1 (TfR-1), and iron export-related proteins ferroportin1 (FP1) in the heart were detected by Western blotting. The results showed that SM injection decreased cardiac iron deposition, ameliorated cardiac function, and inhibited cardiac oxidation. Most important of all, SM injection downregulated the expression of DMT-1 and TfR-1 and upregulated FP1 protein levels compared with the IO group. Our results indicated that reducing cardiac iron uptake and increasing iron excretion may be one of the important mechanisms of SM injection reducing cardiac iron deposition and improving cardiac function under the conditions of IO.

A network pharmacology approach for investigating the multi-target mechanisms of Huangqi in the treatment of colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most prevalent cancer globally. In the treatment of CRC, surgical resection is commonly adopted, and neoadjuvant chemotherapy or immunotherapy is mainly administered for patients with advanced disease. However, despite the developments in the field of cancer treatment, the mortality rate of CRC has remained high. Therefore, novel treatments for CRC need to be explored. Astragalus membranaceus, commonly known in China as Huangqi (HQ), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been reported to be a potential antitumorigenic agent. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms of action of HQ. METHODS: Active ingredients and putative targets of HQ were obtained through a comprehensive search of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database. CRC-related targets were retrieved from the GeneCards database and then overlapping targets were acquired. After visualization of the compound-disease network and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses of the overlapping genes were performed. Additionally, HCT116 cells were treated with the active components of HQ at a 20-µM concentration. Cell Counting Kit-8 was used to detect cell activity, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was carried out to detect the expression of genes downstream of the interleukin (IL)-17 signaling pathway. RESULTS: A PPI network comprising 177 nodes and 318 edges was obtained. The GO analysis of the overlapping genes showed enrichment in response to lipopolysaccharide and oxidative process. For the KEGG analysis, the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway and inflammation-related pathways, such as the IL-17 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathways, were enriched. The in vitro experiments showed that HQ promoted the apoptosis of CRC cells by inhibiting the expression of the CCL2, CXCL8, CXCL10, and PTGS2 genes. CONCLUSIONS: This study systematically revealed the multitarget mechanism of HQ in CRC through a network pharmacology approach. We verified that HQ promotes CRC cell death via the IL-17 signaling pathway. This finding provides indications for further mechanistic studies and the development of HQ as a potential treatment for CRC patients.

Corrigendum to "Pseudolaric Acid B Induces Caspase-Dependent and Caspase-Independent Apoptosis in U87 Glioblastoma Cells".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2012/957568.].

Effect of Acupuncture on Muscle Endurance in the Female Shoulder Joint: A Pilot Study.

Shoulder joint dysfunction is the leading cause of decreased athletic ability in athletes. Shoulder joint sports injuries affect the athletic performance of athletes. Improvements in the muscle endurance of the shoulder joint can reduce the incidence of shoulder joint dysfunction. Acupuncture has been an important part of Asian culture for a long time. In acupuncture, nerves are stimulated, inducing postactivation potentiation (PAP) in the body's motor units and enhancing muscle strength. In this research, 20 female participants with full flexion/extension and adduction/abduction ranges of motion in the shoulder joint during isokinetic exercises underwent stimulation of the following acupuncture points in the shoulder joint: Binao (LI14), Jianyu (LI15), Jianliao (SJ14), Naohui (SJ13), Yuzhong (KI26), Zhongfu (LU1), Yunmen (LU2), Xiabai (LU4), Chize (LU5), Tianfu (LU3), and Xiaoluo (SJ12). In the study, there were significant increases after acupuncture in the average maximum torque in flexion, extension, and adduction; the average work in flexion/extension and adduction/abduction; the average power in flexion/extension and adduction/abduction; the total work in flexion/extension and adduction/abduction; the total net sagittal-plane work (flexion + extension); and the total net frontal-plane work (adduction + abduction) (P < 0.05). The average maximum abduction torque did not increase significantly, potentially due to antagonistic forces of muscles. Therefore, acupuncture at acupoints around the shoulder joint can increase muscle excitability, thereby delaying muscle fatigue and increasing muscle endurance.

Salvia miltiorrhiza bunge exerts anti-oxidative effects through inhibiting KLF10 expression in vascular smooth muscle cells exposed to high glucose.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Traditional Chinese medicinal herb Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge(Danshen) and its components have been widely used to treat cardiovascular diseases for hundreds of years in China, including hypertension, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and chronic heart failure. Salvia miltiorrhiza injection (SMI), an aqueous extracts of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, is one of most widely used traditional Chinese medicine injections. SMI is widely used in the treatment of diabetic vascular complications, However, the mechanisms remain to be defined. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate protective mechanism of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge against ROS generation in VSMCs of diabetic mice and patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Salvia miltiorrhiza injection (hereinafter referred to as SMI, 1.5 g mL-1), which was approved by the State Food and Drug Administration (approval number: Z32020161), was obtained from Shenlong Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (batch number: 11040314). SMI or vehicle were intraperitoneally administrated to the HFD-fed db/db mice, artery was harvested after 24weeks later. qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis were used to detect the expression of KLF6, KLF5, KLF4, KLF10, KLF12, and HO-1. DCFH-DA staining detected intracellular ROS production. Loss- and gain-of-function experiments of KLF10 were used to investigate the effect of KLF10 on the expression of HO-1. Dual-luciferase reporter assay evaluated the effect of KLF10 on the activity of the HO-1 promoter. RESULTS: KLF10 expression and ROS generation are significantly increased in the arteries of HFD-fed db/db mice, VSMCs of diabetic patients, as well as in high glucose-treated VSMCs. KLF10 overexpression suppresses, while its knockdown facilitates the expression of heme oxygenase (HO-1) mRNA and protein. Further, Salvia miltiorrhiza injection (SMI) abrogates KLF10 upregulation and reduces ROS generation induced by high glucose in VSMCs. Mechanistically, KLF10 negatively regulates the HO-1 gene transcription via directly binding to its promoter. Accordingly, SMI treatment of VSMCs reduces ROS generation through inhibiting KLF10 expression and thus relieving KLF10 repression of the expression of HO-1 gene, subsequently contributing to upregulation of HO-1. CONCLUSION: SMI exerts anti-oxidative effects on VSMCs exposed to high glucose through inhibiting KLF10 expression and thus upregulating HO-1.