Vine tea total flavonoids activate the AMPK/mTOR pathway to amelioration hepatic steatosis in mice fed a high-fat diet.

Vine tea (Ampelopsis grossedentata), a traditional Chinese tea, is rich in flavonoids with various biological activities. Our study found that Vine tea total flavonoids (TFs) treatment reduced the body mass and blood lipid levels and improved the hepatic tissue morphology in mice fed the high-fat diet (HFD). In vivo, TF treatment activated the hepatic adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, initiated autophagy, and regulated the expression levels of proteins for lipid metabolism in those HFD-fed mice. In vitro, TF treatment dramatically reduced the lipid droplets and triacylglycerol content in HepG2 and L02 cells treated with oleic acid (OA). These were associated with the activation of the AMPK/mTOR pathway and autophagy initiation in OA-treated hepatocytes. This phenotype was abolished in the presence of 3-methyladenine, an autophagy inhibitor. Our results indicated that the TF activation of AMPK/mTOR leads to the stimulation of autophagy and a decrease in the buildup of intracellular lipids in hepatocytes, showing the potential of TF as a therapeutic agent for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Vine tea, a tea drink, has been consumed by Chinese folk for over a thousand years. The result of this study will provide evidence that vine tea total flavonoids have potential use as a functional material for the prevention and amelioration of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

The extraction, structure characterization and hydrogel construction of a water-insoluble ß-glucan from Poria cocos.

Most reported polysaccharides from Poria cocos (PCPs) in traditional Chinese medicine decoctions were water-soluble heteropolysaccharides while the water-insoluble PCPs were scarcely researched due to the poor water-solubility. In this study, a water-insoluble polysaccharide with high yield of 59%, and high purity with a glucan content of 98.8%, was isolated by diluted sodium hydroxide at low temperature and coded as PCPA. The chemical structure of PCPA was identified as a liner ß-glucan with 1, 3-linked glycosidic bond by the fourier infrared spectrum (FT-IR), ion chromatography (ICP), gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements. Importantly, PCPA was successfully used to construct hydrogels (PCPA-Gs) with good thermal stability, water retention ability and swelling property through simple physical cross-linking, due to the abundance of hydroxyl groups on glucan chains. Moreover, the rheology analysis of PCPA-Gs showed a rapid transition between gel and sol as well as the shear-thinning property. The hydrogel developed in this study holds promise for applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic fields.

Triptolide inhibits intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma growth by suppressing glycolysis via the AKT/mTOR pathway.

BACKGROUND: High levels of glycolysis supply large quantities of energy and biological macromolecular raw materials for cell proliferation. Triptolide (TP) is a kind of epoxy diterpene lactone extracted from the roots, flowers, leaves, or grains of the Celastraceae plant, Tripterygium wilfordii. TP has multiple biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, immunologic suppression, and anti-cancer effects. Nevertheless, it is little known regarding its anti-intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) growth, and the mechanism still require exploration. PURPOSE: This research explored the effect of TP on ICC growth and investigated whether TP inhibits glycolysis via the AKT/mTOR pathway. METHODS: Cell proliferation was analyzed by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), clonogenic assay, and flow cytometry. The underlying molecular mechanism was identified by determining glucose consumption, ATP production, lactate production, hexokinase (HK) and pyruvate kinase (PK) activity, and Western blot analysis. A rapid ICC model of AKT/YapS127A oncogene coactivation in mice was used to clarify the effect of TP treatment on tumor growth and glycolysis. RESULTS: The results showed that TP treatment significantly inhibited ICC cell proliferation and glycolysis in a dose- and time-dependent manner(P < 0.05). Further analysis suggested that TP suppressed ICC cell glycolysis by targeting AKT/mTOR signaling. Additionally, we found that TP inhibits tumor growth and glycolysis in AKT/YapS127A mice(P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Taken together, we revealed that TP suppressed ICC growth by suppressing glycolysis via the AKT/mTOR pathway and may provide a potential therapeutic target for ICC treatment.

Gallic acid impairs fructose-driven de novo lipogenesis and ameliorates hepatic steatosis via AMPK-dependent suppression of SREBP-1/ACC/FASN cascade.

Accumulating evidence suggests that de novo lipogenesis is a typical characteristic facilitating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) progression. Gallic acid (GA) is a naturally occurring phenolic acid with metabolic disease-related clinical significance and preclinical benefits. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-steatotic potentials of GA in a fructose-induced NAFLD mouse model featuring a hepatic lipogenic phenotype. The results revealed that GA alleviated hepatic steatosis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory response in fructose-fed mice. Mechanistically, GA treatment restored AMP-activated protein kinase α (AMPKα) phosphorylation, resulting in downregulations of pro-lipogenic factors, including sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 (SREBP-1), fatty acid synthetase (FASN), and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), in hepatocytes of mice and in vitro. Furthermore, computational docking analysis indicated that GA could directly interact with AMPKα/ß subunits to stabilize its activation. These results suggest that GA ameliorates fructose-induced hepatosteatosis by restraining hepatic lipogenesis via AMPK-dependent suppression of the SREBP-1/ACC/FASN cascade. Altogether, this study demonstrates that GA supplement may be a promising therapeutic strategy in NAFLD, especially in the subset with enhanced hepatic lipogenesis.

Simultaneous screening, identification, quantitation, and activity evaluation of six acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors in Coptidis Rhizoma by online UPLC-DAD coupled with AChE biochemical detection.

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition is a common treatment in the early stages of dementia and neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Coptidis Rhizoma (CR), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), contains numerous isoquinoline alkaloids that substantially inhibit AChE played neuroprotective effects in the treatment of cognitive diseases. We established a method using an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector coupled with AChE biochemical detection (UPLC-DAD-AChEBCD) to screen and identify AChE inhibitors (AChEIs), measure AChEIs content and activity, and evaluate the quality of CR derived from different plant species and growth year. The chromatographic fingerprint and AChEIs activity profiles of CR were simultaneously obtained by UPLC-DAD-AChEBCD, and six alkaloids including groenlandicine, coptisine, epiberberine, jatrorrhizine, berberine, and palmatine, were identified by UPLC-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry. Data analysis based on AChEIs content and total activity of 12 batches of CR indicated differences among different species and growth year. Therefore, the online method could be used to rapidly identify AChEIs in complex matrixes and screen potential agents for neurodegenerative prevention and treatment, as well as provide information for the identification and quantitation of active markers directly associated with herbal medicine quality.

Clinical study of auricular point seed burying combined with fire dragon pot moxibustion in perimenopausal women with insomnia.

OBJECTIVE: To intervene the insomnia symptoms of perimenopausal women by auricular point seed burying combined with fire dragon pot moxibustion, in order to improve the quality of sleep and life of the participants. METHODS: Seventy female participants with perimenopausal insomnia who were treated with Chinese medicine techniques from January 2020 to October 2020 were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group, with 35 participants in each group. Participants in the control group were treated with the traditional Chinese medicine nursing intervention of burying seeds at auricular points. And participants in the observation group were additionally treated with fire dragon pot moxibustion. After 10 weeks of intervention, the Pittsburgh Sleepiness Index (PSQI), self-assessment scores of anxiety (SAS) and depression (SDS), and treatment efficacy of the two groups were compared, respectively. RESULTS: Before the intervention, there was no statistically significant difference in general information, sleep index scores, SAS, SDS scores between the two groups (p > 0.05). After the intervention, the SAS, SDS, and PSQI scores were significantly lower than the control group. Compared with the control group, the time to fall asleep was shorter and the duration of total sleep was longer in the observation group (p < 0.05). The treatment efficacy was better in the observation group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Auricular point seed burying combined with fire dragon pot moxibustion therapy can be more effect than auricular point seed burying alone in treating perimenopausal women with insomnia.

Uniform and disperse selenium nanoparticles stabilized by inulin fructans from Codonopsis pilosula and their anti-hepatoma activities.

The present work reported the extraction, purification and characterization of an inulin fructan from Codonopsis pilosula (CPW1) and its application in stabilization of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs). The morphology, stability, and stabilization mechanism of CPW1 stabilized SeNPs (CPW1-Se) were explored, and the results showed that the SeNPs were amorphous state, with size of 54-79 nm, and kept stable within 15 days due to the interaction between SeNPs and the hydroxyl groups on the surface of CPW1. Moreover, the effects on proliferation and apoptosis of CPW1-Se to both normal cells (293T) and liver cancer cells (Huh-7 and HepG2) were evaluated systematically by using the CCK8 assay, plate clone formation assay, flow cytometry and western blot. The results indicated that CPW1-Se possessed selective anti-hepatoma activities without side effects on normal cells, which exhibited strong potential application in liver cancer treatments.

UHPLC With On-Line Coupled Biochemical Detection for High Throughput Screening of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors in Coptidis Rhizoma and Cortex Phellodendri.

We developed a new on-line method of ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with biochemical detection (UHPLC-BCD) to screen acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors in complex matrixes. Chromatography separation was performed using an Xtimate UHPLC C18 column (100 mm × 2.1 mm, 1.8 µm) and a gradient elution with methanol-0.1% formic acid at a flow rate of 0.08 mL/min. The BCD was based on a colorimetric method using Ellman's reagent, and the detection wavelength was at 405 nm. Galanthamine was used as a positive reference to validate the methodology. The detection and quantitation limits of the UHPLC-BCD method were 0.018 and 0.060 µg, respectively. A functional equation was generated in terms of the negative peak area (X) and galanthamine concentration (Y, µg/mL). The regression equation was Y = 0.0028X2 + 0.4574X + 50.7776, R2 = 0.9993. UHPLC-fourier-transform mass spectrometry detection results revealed that five alkaloids showed obvious AChE inhibitory activities including coptisin, epiberberine, jatrorrhizine, berberine and palmatine. The relative AChE inhibitory activities of jatrorrhizine, berberine and palmatine in the Coptidis Rhizoma sample were equal to that of 257.0, 2355 and 283.9 µg/mL of galanthamine, respectively. This work demonstrated that the UHPLC-BCD method was convenient and feasible, and could be widely used for the screening and activity evaluation of the bioactive components in the complex extracts.

Baduanjin exercise ameliorates motor function in patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: As a traditional Chinese mind-body exercise, Baduanjin has been documented to have a positive effect on cognitive and physical function in a wide range of populations, but it is unclear whether it helps improve motor function in patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI). The aim of this two-arm, randomized, parallel controlled study was to explore the rehabilitation effect of Baduanjin exercise on motor function in patients with PSCI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight patients with PSCI were randomly assigned to control and intervention groups. The control group received health education sessions on stroke prevention and rehabilitation. The intervention group received Baduanjin training in addition to the health education intervention. Before and after the 24-week intervention, both groups completed the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Manual Muscle Test (MMT), Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), and Three-Dimensional Gait Analysis (3DGA). RESULTS: After the 24-week intervention, both groups showed significant improvements in the FMA, BBS, MMT and MAS test results, but the Baduanjin group exhibited significantly better FMA, BBS and MMT test results than the control group (all P < 0.05). Furthermore, the Baduanjin exercise group showed significant improvements in spatial gait parameters, including the step length, walking speed and cadence, which were significantly better than the control group (all P < 0.05). No adverse events were reported during the study period. CONCLUSION: The 24-week Baduanjin exercise training may improve the limb motor function, balance, muscle strength and gait function of individuals with PSCI.

Effect of Baduanjin exercise on the cognitive function of middle-aged and older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Age-related cognitive decline is a pervasive problem in the ageing population. Baduanjin training is a mind-body exercise with the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine, and increasing numbers of studies have reported its usefulness in modulating the cognitive performance of various populations. However, no systematic review has evaluated the effect of Baduanjin training on cognition in middle-aged and older adults. OBJECTIVE: To systematically evaluate the effects of Baduanjin on the global cognitive function and specific cognitive domains of middle-aged and elderly people. METHODS: Four literature databases (PubMed, Cochrane library, EMBASE, and Web of Science) and four Chinese databases (Wanfang, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Science and Technology Periodical and China Biology Medicine) were searched from inception through May 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effect of Baduanjin exercise on the cognitive function of middle-aged and elderly people were included. Assessment of the risk of bias for the included studies and data synthesis were conducted using the software Review Manager 5.3 based on the methods given in the Cochrane Handbook. RESULTS: Baduanjin training showed significant benefit for global cognitive function and parts of specific domains of cognition, including general memory and its sub-domains (i.e., immediate memory and delayed memory), executive function, and processing speed, but no significant difference was found in attention function, visual-spatial ability or long-term memory (a sub-domain of memory). No related adverse events were reported in the included studies. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this review suggest that Baduanjin is safe and effective in enhancing global cognitive function and memory in middle-aged and older adults and potentially beneficial to parts of the other specific domains of cognition, including executive function and processing speed. However, additional trials with larger sample sizes and a more rigorous design are needed before more definitive conclusions can be drawn.

Optimal exercise parameters of tai chi for balance performance in older adults: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Tai chi is considered a safe and low-cost treatment for improving balance ability among an older population. However, there is no existing evidence on the optimal exercise parameters of tai chi for improving balance in older adults. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the optimal parameters of a tai chi intervention to improve balance performance of older adults. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). SETTING: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, Chinese Science and Technology Periodical and China Biology Medicine were searched from inception until November 30, 2020. PARTICIPANTS: Adults aged 60 years and over. MEASUREMENTS: Two reviewers independently extracted the data and assessed the quality of the included studies according to the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Subgroup analyses and meta-regressions were conducted to elucidate the impact of tai chi training programs on balance measures. RESULTS: Twenty-six eligible RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled results showed that tai chi has moderate effects for improving proactive balance (weighted mean standardized mean differences [SMDwm ] = 0.61, 95% CI 0.33-0.89) and static steady-state balance (SMDwm  = 0.62, 95% CI 0.30-0.95) and small effects for improving dynamic steady-state balance (SMDwm  = 0.38, 95% CI 0.03-0.73) and balance test batteries (SMDwm  = 0.47, 95% CI 0.13-0.81) in adults over 60 years of age. The practice frequency could predict the effects of tai chi on static steady-state balance, and the 24-form simplified Yang style tai chi (45-60 min/session, more than four sessions per week and at least 8 weeks) was the most optimal. CONCLUSIONS: Tai chi is effective at improving the balance ability of adults over 60 years of age. A medium duration and high frequency of 24-form tai chi may be the optimal program for improving balance, but this evidence should be recommended with caution due to limitations of the methodology and small sample sizes.

Comparison of Traditional Chinese Exercises and Nontraditional Chinese Exercise Modalities on Cognitive and Executive Function in Community Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Current evidence indicates that regular exercise can have a positive impact on cognitive function in older adults, but whether different exercise modalities may induce differential protective effects in different cognitive domains is uncertain. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of traditional Chinese exercise (TCE) modalities and non-traditional Chinese exercise (non-TCE) modalities on cognitive and executive function in community middle-aged and older adults through a cross-sectional study. METHODS: A total of 350 community middle-aged and older adults aged over 55 years participated in this study. Information on demographic characteristics, lifestyle and behavioural habits, and regular exercise was collected by a self-designed questionnaire. Global cognitive ability and executive function were assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scale, the clock drawing test (CDT), the animal naming test (ANT), and the trail making test (TMT). Eligible subjects were categorized into the no regular exercise (no-RE), non-TCE, or TCE groups according to their self-reported exercise information. Comparisons of global cognitive and executive function among the three groups were conducted using ANOVA or the general linear model with adjustment for potential confounding factors. RESULTS: The results showed that for the non-TCE or TCE groups, the MoCA and CDT scores were significantly higher, and the TMT-A test time was significantly shorter than those in the no-RE group (all P < 0.05), but no significant difference was observed for the TMT-B and ANT tests. After adjustment for potential confounding factors, the MoCA, the CDT, and TMT-A scores in the TCE group were significant compared to those in the no-RE group. In addition, subgroup analysis showed that in the TCE group, the MoCA scores were significantly higher than those in the non-TCE group. Furthermore, in the TCE group, the CDT scores for those with an exercise duration of <5 years were higher and the TMT-A test time for those with an exercise duration of ≥5 years was shorter than those in the non-TCE group. CONCLUSIONS: Both TCE and non-TCE have potential protective effects on global cognitive and executive function in community middle-aged and older adults. Compared to the non-TCE modality, the TCE modality may have a more positive association with these protective effects. Furthermore, prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Effect of Baduanjin exercise on cognitive function in patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness and safety of Baduanjin training on the cognitive function in stroke survivors with cognitive impairment. DESIGN: A randomized, two-arm parallel controlled trial with allocation concealment and assessors blinding. SETTING: Community centre of Fuzhou city, China. SUBJECTS: A total of 48 participants were recruited and randomly allocated into the Baduanjin exercise intervention or control group. INTERVENTIONS: The control group maintained original medication and rehabilitation treatment. The Baduanjin training group received 24-week Baduanjin training with a frequency of three days a week and 40 minutes a day based on original medication and rehabilitation treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was global cognitive function. Secondary outcome measures included the specific domains of cognition (i.e. memory, processing speed, execution, attention and visuospatial ability) and activities daily living. RESULTS: In total, 41 (Baduanjin n = 22, control n = 19) participants completed 24-week treatment and data collection. Mean differences between groups at 24-week treatment were statistically significant for global cognitive function (MoCA: 2.54 (0.91 to 4.16)), execution (TMT-A: -42.4 (-75.0 to -9.8); TMT-B: -71.3 (-130.6 to -12.1)), memory (immediate recall: 2.11 (0.49 to 3.73); short-term delayed recognition: 2.47 (0.58 to 4.35) and long-term delayed recognition: 1.68(0.18 to 3.17)), attention (response time of alertness: -245.5 (-387 to -104)) and activities of daily living (modified Barthel Index). CONCLUSION: Regular Baduanjin training is associated with less loss of cognitive function in patients after stroke.

The correlation analyses of bacterial community composition and spatial factors between freshwater and sediment in Poyang Lake wetland by using artificial neural network (ANN) modeling.

As one of the most important components of the lake ecosystem, microorganisms from the freshwater and sediment play an important role in many ecological processes. However, the difference and correlation of bacterial community between these two niches were not clear. This study investigated the diversity of microbial community of freshwater and sediment samples from fifteen locations in Poyang Lake wetland. The correlation between the bacterial community and physicochemical property of Poyang Lake wetland was analyzed by artificial neural network (ANN). Our results demonstrated that the freshwater and sediment bacterial community were dominated by groups of the Bacteroidetes (23.33%) and ß-Proteobacteria (22.54%) separately, whereas, Canalipalpata, Bacillariophyta, Gemmatimonadetes, and Verrucomicrobia were detected in freshwater niches only. Phylogenetic analysis further indicated that bacterial composition in freshwater significantly differed with the sediment niches. There are 34 unique species accounted for 85% in fresh water samples and 28 unique species accounted for 82% in sediment samples. Cluster analysis further proved that all the samples from freshwater niches clustered closely together, far from the rest sediment samples. ANN analysis revealed that the freshwater with high N and P nutrients will greatly increase the diversity of the bacterial communities. In general, both environmental physicochemical properties, not each factor independently, contributed to the shift in the bacterial community structure. The five tributaries (Gan, Fu, Xin, Rao, Xiu Rivers) play a vital role in shaping the bacterial communities of Poyang Lake. This study provides new insights for understanding of microbial community compositions and structures of Poyang Lake wetland.

Effects of a traditional Chinese mind-body exercise, Baduanjin, on the physical and cognitive functions in the community of older adults with cognitive frailty: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Cognitive frailty (CF) is a clinical manifestation characterised by the simultaneous presence of both physical frailty and cognitive impairment among older adults without dementia and has become a new target for healthy ageing. Increasing evidence shows that regular Baduanjin (a traditional Chinese mind-body exercise) training is beneficial in improving physical function and cognitive ability in the older adults. The primary aim of this trial is to observe the effect of Baduanjin on physical and cognitive functions in older adults with CF. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: In this prospective, outcome assessor-blind, two-arm randomised controlled trial, a total of 102 participants with CF will be recruited and randomly allocated (1:1) into the Baduanjin training or usual physical activity control group. The control group will receive health education for 30 min at least once a month. Based on health education, participants in the Baduanjin exercise group will receive a 24-week Baduanjin training with 60 min per session and 3 sessions per week, while those in the usual physical activity control group will maintain their original lifestyle. Primary outcomes (frailty index and global cognitive ability), body composition, grip force, balance, fatigue, specific cognitive domain, including memory, execution and visual spatial abilities, and life quality of secondary outcomes will be measured at baseline, and at 13 and 25 weeks after randomisation, while the structural and functional MRI will be measured at baseline and 25 weeks after randomisation. The mixed linear model will be conducted to observe the intervention effects. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study has been approved by the ethics committee of the second people's hospital of Fujian province (Approval no. 2018-KL015). Results will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated at scientific conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR1800020341; Pre-results.

Antiangiogenesis Efficacy of Ethanol Extract from Amomum tsaoko in Ovarian Cancer through Inducing ER Stress to Suppress p-STAT3/NF-kB/IL-6 and VEGF Loop.

Natural plants are considered as a huge treasure for anticancer. Amomum tsaoko, a plant of Zingiberaceae, is used widely as a food and traditional medicine in East Asia. In previous studies, Amomum tsaoko has antitumor effect on liver cancer cells, but the mechanism is not clear. Here, we demonstrated that ethanol extract from Amomum tsaoko (At-EE) could inhibit ovarian cancer and decrease angiogenesis in vivo. At-EE did not influence vascular endothelial cells directly, but decreased IL-6 and VEGF secreted by ovarian cancer cells to inhibit angiogenesis through inhibition of p-STAT3 and NF-kB activation. In addition, we demonstrated that p-STAT3 and NF-kB could adjust each other and IL-6 and VEGF also mediate p-STAT3 and NF-kB too, which created a loop. In addition, At-EE interrupted p-STAT3/NF-kB/IL-6 and VEGF loop through induced ER stress. These results reveal that p-STAT3/NF-kB/IL-6 and VEGF is a cascade amplification loop in ovarian cancer for angiogenesis, and induced ER stress can interrupt it. Taken together, this work explored the anticancer activities of Amomum tsaoko, which could be a potential therapeutic candidate in the treatment of ovarian cancer.

[Effects of ellagic acid on inflammation and oxidative stress induced by AKT gene transfection in mice with fatty liver disease].

To study the effects of ellagic acid(EA)on inflammation and oxidative stress in mice with fatty liver disease induced by AKT gene transfection,the 20 female FVB mice were randomly divided into normal control group,model group and ellagic acid administration group(150,300 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1))(n=5).EA experimental groups and model group were using a high pressure into the tail vein transfection plasmid AKT.The next day,EA was started to administered continuously for 5 weeks after the AKT gene transfection,while the model group and the normal control group were given the same amount of saline.After the administration,the liver tissue and serum of mice were taken.HE and oil red O staining were using to observe the histopathological changes in liver;liver function to detect the serum and liver tissue as well as MDA and SOD levels;real-time quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)was used to measure the mR-NA expression of NF-κB and TNF-α;Western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to measure the expression of NF-κB,TNF-αand COX-2 in liver tissue.RESULTS:: show that after AKT gene transfection,the model group had significant increase in the serum levels of AST,ALT,elevated the levels of MDA and decreased the levels of SOD in serum and liver tissue,aggravated histopathology degeneration and Liver inflammation,and significantly higher expression of NF-κB,TNF-α,IL-6,COX-2 and other inflammatory-related factors in liver tissue.EA administration group significant reductions in the serum levels of AST,ALT,and improved in hepatocyte fatty degeneration and liver inflammation,lower the levels of MDA and increased the levels of SOD in serum and liver tissue,and significant reductions in the expression of NF-κB,TNF-α,IL-6 and COX-2 in liver tissue.These results suggest that EA has obvious anti-inflammatory effect and inhibits oxidative stress and EA has a significant therapeutic effecton AKT gene inducing fatty liver,and the mechanism possibly by inhibiting inflammatory factors of NF-κB,TNF-α,IL-6,COX-2 and anti-oxidative stress-related.

Mind-body exercise improves cognitive function and modulates the function and structure of the hippocampus and anterior cingulate cortex in patients with mild cognitive impairment.

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a common neurological disorder. This study aims to investigate the modulation effect of Baduanjin (a popular mind-body exercise) on MCI. 69 patients were randomized to Baduanjin, brisk walking, or an education control group for 24 weeks. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging scans were applied at baseline and at the end of the experiment. Compared to the brisk walking and control groups, the Baduanjin group experienced significantly increased MoCA scores. Amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) analysis showed significantly decreased ALFF values in the right hippocampus (classic low-freqency band, 0.01-0.08 Hz) in the Baduanjin group compared to the brisk walking group and increased ALFF values in the bilateral anterior cingulate cortex (ACC, slow-5 band, 0.01-0.027 Hz) in the Baduanjin group compared to the control group. Further, ALFF value changes in the right hippocampus and bilateral ACC were significantly associated with corresponding MoCA score changes across all groups. We also found increased gray matter volume in the Baduanjin group in the right hippocampus compared to the brisk walking group and in the bilateral ACC compared to the control group. In addition, there was an increased resting state functional connectivity between the hippocampus and right angular gyrus in the Baduanjin group compared to the control group. Our results demonstrate the potential of Baduanjin for the treatment of MCI.

[Identification and determination of phenolic acids and flavonoids in Artemisiae Argyi Folium by UPLC-DAD-MS].

The study aims to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze phenolic acids and flavonoids in Artemisiae Argyi Folium cultivated in Qichun(Qiai) for the quality control of this genuine regional herbs. UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS was used for rapid separation and structural identification of the constituents. Samples were separated on an UPLC column(2. 1 mm×100 mm,1. 8 µm) by gradient elution using 0. 1% formic acid and acetonitrile as mobile phases at a flow rate of 0. 4 m L·min-1. By UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS,16 compounds including phenolic acids and flavonoids were identified by comparison with reference standards or literature data. For quantitative analysis,12 identified compounds were simultaneously determined by UPLC-DAD at wavelengths of 330 nm. The method was validated with respect to linearity,precision,repeatability,stability and recovery. The contents of these compounds were found to differ significantly between the samples from Qichun and other areas. This strategy was novel,effective and straightforward,which provided a potential approach for holistic quality control of Qiai.