Bilobetin attenuates Staphylococcus aureus virulence by targeting Von Willebrand factor-binding protein and staphylocoagulase.

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) induces a variety of infectious diseases in humans and animals and is responsible for hospital- and community-acquired infections. The aim of this study was to investigate how bilobetin, a natural compound, attenuates S. aureus virulence by inhibiting two key virulence factors, von Willebrand factor-binding protein (vWbp) and staphylocoagulase (Coa). The results showed that bilobetin inhibited Coa- or vWbp-induced coagulation without affecting S. aureus proliferation. The Western blotting and fluorescence quenching assays indicated that bilobetin did not affect the expression of vWbp and Coa but directly bound to the proteins with KA values of 1.66 × 104 L/mol and 1.04 × 104 L/mol, respectively. To gain further insight into the mechanism of interaction of bilobetin with these virulence factors, we performed molecular docking and point mutation assays, which indicated that the TYR-6 and TYR-18 residues on vWbp and the ALA-190 and ASP-189 residues on Coa were essential for the binding of bilobetin. In addition, the in vivo studies showed that bilobetin ameliorated lung tissue damage and inflammation caused by S. aureus, thereby improving the survival of mice. Furthermore, the use of bilobetin as an adjuvant in combination with vancomycin was more effective in the treatment of a mouse model of pneumonia. Taken together, bilobetin had a dual inhibitory effect on vWbp and Coa by reducing the virulence of S. aureus, suggesting that it is a viable lead compound against S. aureus infections.

Efficacy and safety of Xinmai'an tablet in treatment of premature ventricular contractions due to coronary heart disease: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of human death in the world and a public health problem of global concern. As a common arrhythmia in CHD, premature ventricular contractions are very likely to progress to fatal arrhythmias, resulting in serious adverse consequences. At present, the treatment of premature ventricular contractions due to CHD mainly focuses on catheter ablation, beta-blockers and antiarrhythmics. Both require ongoing monitoring because relapses may lead to redevelopment of cardiomyopathy, and there are varying degrees of indications and side effects. Several clinical studies have shown that Xinmai'an can effectively control the occurrence of premature ventricular contractions and reduce the risk of recurrence. However, there is currently no systematic review evaluating its effectiveness. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to provide strong evidence-based medical evidence for Xinmai'an tablet in the treatment of premature ventricular contractions due to CHD. METHODS: We will search the main Chinese and English databases from inception to June 5, 2022. And identified as the randomized controlled trials. In addition, a reference list of studies meeting the inclusion criteria will be retrieved. Two researchers will conduct literature screening and quality evaluation. And we will conduct bias risk assessment and sensitivity analysis. The analysis software uses RevMan 5.3. RESULTS: Mainly by observing the number of ventricular premature beat attacks (24-hour holter monitoring electrocardiogram), electrocardiogram efficacy (ST segment and T wave changes) and echocardiogram assesses the structure and function of the left and right ventricular, left ventricular ejection fraction, etc. To evaluate the clinical effect of Xinmai'an on premature ventricular contractions due to CHD. CONCLUSION: The results of this study will provide a basis for the selection of treatment options for premature ventricular contractions due to CHD.

Efficacy and safety of Guhong injection for coronary heart disease: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Coronary heart disease (CHD) is considered one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, posing a serious threat to public health. Current therapeutic approaches for CHD mainly focus on drug therapy, coronary artery bypass grafting, and percutaneous coronary intervention. However, there still exist some problems including drug side effects, adverse cardiac events after percutaneous coronary intervention. Guhong injection is a compound preparation of traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine. Several clinical studies have shown that Guhong injection can effectively relieve the clinical symptoms of CHD patients and improve clinical efficacy. However, there is no systematic review to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Guhong injection in treating CHD. Therefore, in this study we will plan to systematic review to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Guhong injection for CHD, providing a strong evidence-based medical reference for clinical use. METHODS: The database search includes EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang Database, Chinese Biomedical Database, Chinese Scientific Journal Database. The retrieval time was from their inception to November 30, 2021. The main outcome indicators include the frequency, severity, and duration of angina pectoris attacks, electrocardiogram changes, and dose of nitroglycerin. The analysis software uses RevMan 5.3. RESULTS: By collecting the existing evidence, the results of this study will systematically evaluate the effects of Guhong injection in the treatment of CHD. CONCLUSION: The results of this study will provide evidence for the efficacy and safety of Guhong injection in the treatment of CHD. INPLASY REGISTRATION NUMBER: INPLASY2021120032.

Identifying the differentially expressed microRNAs in esophagus squamous cell carcinoma of Kazakh patients in Xinjiang.

Despite improvements in diagnosis and treatment, the survival of patients with advanced stages of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains poor. Therefore, novel biomarkers that can assist with early detection of ESCC are required. In the present study, three paired ESCC and normal esophageal tissue samples from Xinjiang Kazakh patients were obtained and microRNA (miRNA) microarray analysis was used to detect the differentially-expressed miRNAs. The target genes of the identified miRNAs were predicted using miRWalk software. A total of 23 miRNAs were differently expressed in Kazakh patients with ESCC. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis demonstrated that the upregulated miRNAs were predominantly associated with the 'vesicle' and 'membrane-bounded vesicle' terms, while the downregulated miRNAs were primarily associated with the term 'negative regulation of integrin-mediated signaling pathway'. The most highly enriched Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway for the differentially-expressed miRNAs was 'Endocrine and other factor-regulated calcium reabsorption'. Protein-protein interaction network analysis revealed that IQ motif containing GTPase activating protein 1, RAB11A, lysine acetyltransferase 2B, catenin α 1 and tight junction protein 2 were hub genes of the network. In conclusion, a number of differentially-expressed miRNAs were identified in ESCC tissues samples from Xinjiang Kazakh patients, which may improve the understanding of the processes of tumorigenesis and development.