The inhibition effect of caffeic acid on NOX/ROS-dependent macrophages M1-like polarization contributes to relieve the LPS-induced mice mastitis.

The mammary gland is an adipose tissue containing not only adipocytes but also epithelial, endothelial, and immune cells. Epithelial cells and macrophages, as the integral components of the immune system, are on the front line of defense against infection. Our preliminary work proved that caffeic acid (CA) can effectively inhibit the inflammatory cascade of bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMEC) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and maintain cellular integrity and viability. Here, we investigated the therapeutic effect of CA on LPS-induced mice mastitis and explored its regulatory mechanism on macrophage inflammatory response induced by LPS in vitro. Firstly, the mice mastitis model was established by intramammary injection with 10 µg LPS, after which different CA doses (5, 10, 15 mg/kg) were administered. Then, the pathological section, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, proinflammatory factors and chemokines releasement, and redox state of mammary tissues were assessed, confirming CA's effectiveness on mice mastitis. In vitro, we validated the therapeutic relevance of CA in relieving LPS-induced RAW264.7 inflammatory and oxidative stress responses. Moreover, we further provided evidence that CA significantly reduced LPS-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation via NADPH oxidase (NOX), which improved the imbalance relationship between nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) and NF-E2 p45-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and led to a marked weakening of M1 polarization. The NOX-ROS signal inhibited by CA weakened the oxidative burst and neutrophil chemotaxis of macrophages, thus alleviating the immune cascade in mammary gland tissue and reducing the LPS-induced inflammatory damage. Collectively, CA would be a potential candidate or antibacterial synergist for curbing mastitis.

Polysaccharide from Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz Binding with Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles as a Novel Mucosal Immune Adjuvant for H9N2 Inactivated Vaccine.

H9N2 avian influenza poses a significant public health risk, necessitating effective vaccines for mass immunization. Oral inactivated vaccines offer advantages like the ease of administration, but their efficacy often requires enhancement through mucosal adjuvants. In a previous study, we established a novel complex of polysaccharide from Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz binding with zinc oxide nanoparticles (AMP-ZnONPs) and preliminarily demonstrated its immune-enhancing function. This work aimed to evaluate the efficacy of AMP-ZnONPs as adjuvants in an oral H9N2-inactivated vaccine and the vaccine's impact on intestinal mucosal immunity. In this study, mice were orally vaccinated on days 0 and 14 after adapting to the environment. AMP-ZnONPs significantly improved HI titers, the levels of specific IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a in serum and sIgA in intestinal lavage fluid; increased the number of B-1 and B-2 cells and dendritic cell populations; and enhanced the mRNA expression of intestinal homing factors and immune-related cytokines. Interestingly, AMP-ZnONPs were more likely to affect B-1 cells than B-2 cells. AMP-ZnONPs showed mucosal immune enhancement that was comparable to positive control (cholera toxin, CT), but not to the side effect of weight loss caused by CT. Compared to the whole-inactivated H9N2 virus (WIV) group, the WIV + AMP-ZnONP and WIV + CT groups exhibited opposite shifts in gut microbial abundance. AMP-ZnONPs serve as an effective and safe mucosal adjuvant for oral WIV, improving cellular, humoral and mucosal immunity and microbiota in the gastrointestinal tract, avoiding the related undesired effects of CT.

Laponite/lactoferrin hydrogel loaded with eugenol for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus-infected chronic skin wound healing.

Severe bacterial infections can give rise to protracted wound healing processes, thereby posing a significant risk to a patient's well-being. Consequently, the development of a versatile hydrogel dressing possessing robust bioactivity becomes imperative, as it holds the potential to expedite wound healing and yield enhanced clinical therapeutic outcomes. In this context, the present study involves the formulation of an injectable multifunctional hydrogel utilizing laponite (LAP) and lactoferrin (LF) as foundational components and loaded with eugenol (EG). This hydrogel is fabricated employing a straightforward one-pot mixing approach that leverages the principle of electrostatic interaction. The resulting LAP/LF/EG2% composite hydrogel can be conveniently injected to address irregular wound geometries effectively. Once administered, the hydrogel continually releases lactoferrin and eugenol, mitigating unwarranted oxidative stress and eradicating bacterial infections. This orchestrated action culminates in the acceleration of wound healing specifically in the context of MRSA-infected wounds. Importantly, the LAP/LF/EG2% hydrogel exhibits commendable qualities including exceptional injectability, potent antioxidant attributes, and proficient hemostatic functionality. Furthermore, the hydrogel composition notably encourages cellular migration while maintaining favorable cytocompatibility. Additionally, the hydrogel manifests noteworthy bactericidal efficacy against the formidable multidrug-resistant MRSA bacterium. Most significantly, this hydrogel formulation distinctly expedites the healing of MRSA-infected wounds by promptly inducing hemostasis, curbing bacterial proliferation, and fostering angiogenesis, collagen deposition, and re-epithelialization processes. As such, the innovative hydrogel material introduced in this investigation emerges as a promising dressing for the facilitation of bacterial-infected wound healing and consequent tissue regeneration.

Eugenol alleviates Salmonella Typhimurium-infected cecal injury by modulating cecal flora and tight junctions accompanied by suppressing inflammation.

BACKGROUND: Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (ST) mainly exists in poultry and poultry related products, which are common sources of human salmonellosis. So, ST is an important zoonotic pathogen that threatens public health and safety. Eugenol has been noted for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and it is expected to develop into an antibacterial therapy in vivo. METHODS: Herein, the effects of eugenol against ST infection in terms of intestinal flora, cecal tight junction, and cecal inflammation in broilers was evaluated in this study. RESULTS: The results showed that oral eugenol pretreatment obviously relieved the histopathological changes and ultrastructural injury of cecum caused by ST infection. Further analysis found that eugenol lessened the number of ST in the cecum, restrained Proteobacteria and Ruminococcus, and kept the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes (F/B), improved the relative abundance of Alistipes compared to the infection control. Moreover, eugenol sustained the expression of ZO-1, claudin-1, and occluding tight junction proteins, reduced the mRNA levels of myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) and inducible nitric oxide synthesis (iNOS), suppressed the phosphorylation of p65 and IκBα in the NF-κB signaling pathway, as well as the mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-2, and IL-18 in the cecum tissue. CONCLUSION: Taken together, eugenol could protect broilers against ST infection via maintaining intestinal flora, tight junctions involved in mucosal barrier function, then accordingly limiting the excessive inflammation, finally contributed to improving relative weight gains and survival rates of broilers.

The synergy of tea tree oil nano-emulsion and antibiotics against multidrug-resistant bacteria.

AIMS: We determined the synergistic effects of tea tree essential oil nano-emulsion (nanoTTO) and antibiotics against multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria in vitro and in vivo. Then, the underlying mechanism of action of nanoTTO was investigated. METHODS AND RESULTS: Minimum inhibitory concentrations and fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) were determined. The transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and the expression of tight junction (TJ) protein of IPEC-J2 cells were measured to determine the in vitro efficacy of nanoTTO in combination with antibiotics. A mouse intestinal infection model evaluated the in vivo synergistic efficacy. Proteome, adhesion assays, quantitative real-time PCR, and scanning electron microscopy were used to explore the underlying mechanisms. Results showed that nanoTTO was synergistic (FICI ≤ 0.5) or partial synergistic (0.5 < FICI < 1) with antibiotics against MDR Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria strains. Moreover, combinations increased the TEER values and the TJ protein expression of IPEC-J2 cells infected with MDR Escherichia coli. The in vivo study showed that the combination of nanoTTO and amoxicillin improved the relative weight gain and maintained the structural integrity of intestinal barriers. Proteome showed that type 1 fimbriae d-mannose specific adhesin of E. coli was downregulated by nanoTTO. Then, nanoTTO reduced bacterial adhesion and invasion and inhibited the mRNA expression of fimC, fimG, and fliC, and disrupted bacterial membranes.

Eugenol exposure in vitro inhibits the expressions of T3SS and TIF virulence genes in Salmonella Typhimurium and reduces its pathogenicity to chickens.

BACKGROUND: Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) is a common food-borne pathogen, which has the ability to infect a wide range of hosts. The increasing emergence of drug-resistant strains urgently requires new alternative therapies. Eugenol has been shown to be very effective against drug-resistant strains of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of eugenol on the virulence factors and pathogenicity of S. Typhimurium. METHODS: The antibacterial activity of eugenol was investigated via the changes of cell morphology, fimbriae related-genes and virulence factors of S. Typhimurium, then the pathogenicity of S. Typhimurium pretreated by eugenol to chickens was evaluated. RESULTS: Susceptibility testing showed that eugenol possessed significant antimicrobial activity. Scanning electron microscope analysis showed eugenol treatment deformed the morphology with damaged fimbriae structure of S. Typhimurium. Real time PCR assay confirmed eugenol significantly down-regulated the expressions of virulence factors (hilA, hilD, sipA, sipC, spiC, misL) of Type III secretion system (T3SS) and adherence genes (fimA, fimH, fimD, fimY, fimZ, stm0551) of Type I fimbriae (TIF). Animal experiment proved that the pathogenicity of S. Typhimurium exposed by eugenol was reduced, which was evidenced by the higher survival rate, weight gains and organs indexes, the lower bacterial loads in organs. Meanwhile, the duodenal histopathological changes were mitigated, with a significantly decline in the expressions of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-18. CONCLUSION: In summary, eugenol pretreatment may alleviate the pathogenicity of the S. Typhimurium to chickens via wrecking the fimbriae and inhibiting the mRNA expressions of virulence factors and adhesion molecules. These data dedicated the potential mechanisms of eugenol against S. Typhimurium in vitro.

Bactericidal activity of gallic acid against multi-drug resistance Escherichia coli.

The continuous emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria has posed an increasingly serious public health threat which urges people to develop some alternatives. Gallic acid (GA) is a natural ingredient in many traditional Chinese medicines, which has many biological activities, such as antibacterial, and antiseptic. Here, clinical isolates of MDR Escherichia coli (E. coli) were used to evaluate the antibacterial effect of GA and the underlying mechanism. The results revealed that GA exerted bactericidal activity and inhibited the formation of bacterial biofilm. GA enhanced the activities of ceftiofur sodium or tetracycline against E. coli, and facilitated antibiotic accumulation in bacteria. Further analysis of morphological alterations and efflux pump gene expressions confirmed that GA damaged outer and inner membranes, and suppressed the mRNA expressions of acrA, acrB, tolC, acrD and acrF involved in membrane permeability. In addition, GA showed protective effects against bacterial infection and improved the survival rates of Galleria mellonella and BALB/c mice. These data highlight a better understanding of GA against bacteria and provide an alternative strategy for MDR bacterial infection.

Transradial versus transfemoral access without closure device for transarterial chemoembolization in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: a randomized trial.

OBJECTIVES: To compare patient satisfaction, procedural variables, and safety with transradial access (TRA) and transfemoral access (TFA) in patients undergoing transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From February 2019 to August 2021, 130 patients undergoing TACE for HCC were randomly allocated to the TRA (n = 65) or TFA (n = 65) group. Vascular closure devices were not used after TFA-TACE. All patients completed the post-catheterization questionnaire and 8-item Short-Form Health Survey 1 day after TACE. RESULTS: Technical success rate, crossover rate, contrast agent dose, fluoroscopy time, procedure time, air kerma, dose-area product, length of hospital stay, and total cost were similar between the two groups (all p > 0.05). The incidence and severity of adverse events were also similar between the two groups (all p > 0.05). However, overall discomfort, difficulty going to the bathroom, difficulty feeding or self-caring, difficulty walking, general health, physical function, role physical function, social function, mental health, and role emotional function were better in the TRA group than in the TFA group (all p < 0.001). Consequently, more patients preferred the current access for their next procedure in the TRA group than in the TFA group (90.8% vs. 24.6%; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing TACE for HCC, using TRA instead of TFA can improve patient satisfaction without compromising procedural variables and safety. KEY POINTS: • Transradial access (TRA) enabled early ambulation after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), resulting in significant increase in activities of daily living and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) compared to transfemoral access (TFA) when vascular closure devices were not used. • Procedural variables (contrast agent dose, fluoroscopy time, procedure time, air kerma, dose-area product, length of hospital stay, and total cost) were not significantly different between patients who received TRA-TACE and TFA-TACE. • The incidence and severity of adverse events were similar between patients who received TRA-TACE and TFA-TACE.

Silver nanoparticle-coated self-expandable metallic stent suppresses tissue hyperplasia in a rat esophageal model.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the efficacy of a silver nanoparticle (AgNP)-coated self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) for suppressing tissue hyperplasia in a rat esophageal model. METHODS: Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four groups. Animals in group A underwent uncoated SEMS placement, whereas animals in groups B, C, and D underwent 6, 12, and 24 mg/mL AgNP-coated SEMS placement, respectively. All animals were euthanized 4 weeks after SEMS placement, and a gross examination and histological analyses were performed. RESULTS: All rats achieved technical success and survived until the end of the study. The gross examination showed moderate to severe tissue hyperplasia in 5 rats in group A and 2 rats in group B. In contrast, no animals in groups C and D had moderate or severe tissue hyperplasia. The gross examination revealed no complications. The percentage of granulation tissue area, number of epithelial layers, thickness of submucosal fibrosis, percentage of connective tissue area, inflammatory cell infiltration grade, degree of collagen deposition, and degrees of Ki67, TUNEL, and α-SMA-positive deposition were significantly lower in groups C and D than in group A (all p < 0.05). However, only the percentage of granulation tissue area, number of epithelial layers, thickness of submucosal fibrosis, and percentage of connective tissue area were significantly lower in group B than in group A (all p < 0.05). No histological parameters were significantly different between group D and group C (all p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: AgNP-coated SEMSs suppressed tissue hyperplasia in a rat esophageal model.

Ferulic acid inhibits LPS-induced apoptosis in bovine mammary epithelial cells by regulating the NF-κB and Nrf2 signalling pathways to restore mitochondrial dynamics and ROS generation.

In bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs), a cascade of inflammatory reactions induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has been shown to result in cell injury and apoptosis. The present study aims to reveal the protective effect of ferulic acid (FA) on LPS-induced BMEC apoptosis and explore its potential molecular mechanisms. First, we showed that FA had low cytotoxicity to BMECs and significantly decreased cell apoptosis and the proinflammatory response induced by LPS. Next, FA blocked LPS-induced oxidative stress by restoring the balance of the redox state and inhibiting mitochondrial dysfunction, the main contributor to LPS-induced apoptosis and ROS generation. Furthermore, the relief of inflammation and redox disturbance in the FA preconditioning group were accompanied by weaker NF-κB activation, enhanced Nrf2 activation and maintained cell viability compared to the LPS group. When BMECs were treated with FA alone, we observed that Nrf2 activation was induced before the inhibition of NF-κB activation and that the Keap1-Nrf2 relationship was disturbed. We concluded that FA prevented LPS-induced BMEC apoptosis by reversing the dominant relationship between NF-κB and Nrf2.

Intragastric satiety-inducing device reduces food intake and suppresses body weight gain in a rodent model.

BACKGROUND: An intragastric satiety-inducing device (ISD) (Full Sense Device; Baker, Foote, Kemmeter, Walburn, LLC, Grand Rapids, MI) is a novel weight-loss device, which may induce satiety by applying continuous pressure on the gastric cardia. This study investigated the effect of the ISD on food intake and body weight gain in a rodent model. METHODS: Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats (weight, 250-300 g) were randomly divided into four groups of eight individuals. Single-disk (SD) and double-disk (DD) group animals underwent peroral placement of a single- or double-disk ISD, respectively, under fluoroscopic guidance. The ISD comprised a 4 mm × 1.5 cm nitinol stent placed in the lower esophagus and one (single-disk) or two (double-disk) 2.5-cm-diameter star-shaped nitinol disks placed in the gastric fundus. Esophageal stent (ES) and sham-operated (SO) group animals underwent peroral placement of the ES part of the ISD and a sham operation, respectively. RESULTS: Food intake was significantly different among the four groups over the 4-week study period (P < 0.001); food intake was significantly lower in the SD and DD groups than in the SO group (P = 0.016 and P = 0.002, respectively) but was not significantly different between the SD and DD groups (P > 0.999) and between the ES and SO groups (P = 0.677). Body weight was significantly different among the four groups by the end of the study period (P < 0.001); body weight was significantly lower in the DD group than in the SD, ES, and SO groups (P = 0.010, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively) and in the SD group than in the SO group (P = 0.001), but it was not significantly different between the ES and SO groups (P = 0.344). CONCLUSION: ISD reduced food intake and suppressed body weight gain in a rodent model.

Characterization of tea tree oil nanoemulsion and its acute and subchronic toxicity.

Tea tree oil (TTO) is a popular topical use to treat skin infections. However, its poor aqueous solubility and stability have substantially limited its widespread application, including oral administration that might be therapeutic for enteric infections. In this study, mechanical ultrasonic methods were used to prepare TTO nanoemulsion (nanoTTO) with a mean droplet diameter of 161.80 nm ± 3.97, polydispersity index of 0.21 ± 0.01, and zeta potential of -12.33 ± 0.72 mV. The potential toxicity of nanoTTO was assessed by studying the oral median lethal dose (LD50) and repeated 28-day oral toxicity to provide a reference for in vivo application. Results showed that nanoTTO had no phase separation under a centrifugation test and displayed good stability during storage at -20, 4 and 25 °C over 60 days. Repeated-dose 28-day oral toxicity evaluation revealed no significant effects on growth and behavior. Assessments of hematology, clinical biochemistry, and histopathology indicated no obvious adverse effects in mice at 50, 100 and 200 mg/mL. These data suggest that nanoTTO can be considered a potential antimicrobial agent by oral administration due to its inhibitory effect on bacteria and relatively lower toxicity.

Caffeic Acid Prevented LPS-Induced Injury of Primary Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells through Inhibiting NF-κB and MAPK Activation.

In our previous study, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) significantly reduced the cell viability of primary bovine mammary epithelial cells (bMEC) leading to cell apoptosis, which were prevented by caffeic acid (CA) through inhibiting NF-κB activation and reducing proinflammatory cytokine expression. While the underlying mechanism remains unclear, here, we determined that LPS induced the extensive microstructural damage of bMEC, especially the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum. Then, the obvious reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential and expression changes of apoptosis-associated proteins (Bcl-2, Bax, and casepase-3) indicated that apoptosis signaling through the mitochondria should be responsible for the cell viability decrease. Next, the high-throughput cDNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were employed to verify that the MAPK and JAK-STAT signaling pathways also were the principal targets of LPS. Following, the critical proteins (ERK, JNK, p38, and c-jun) of the MAPK signaling pathways were activated, and the release of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, and IL-8) regulated by NF-κB and MAPKs was significantly increased, which can promote a cascade of inflammation that induces cell injury and apoptosis. Meanwhile, CA significantly inhibited the activation of MAPKs and the release of proinflammatory cytokines in a dose-dependent manner, which were similar to its effects on the NF-κB activation that we previously published. So we concluded that CA regulates the proteins located in the upstream of multiple cell signal pathways which can reduce the LPS-induced activation of NF-κB and MAPKs, thus weakening the inflammatory response and maintaining cell structure and function, which accordingly inhibit apoptosis.

[Protective effects of artesunate against Con A-induced autoimmune liver injury in mice].

Autoimmune liver disease is a refractory disease clinically, and there is no particularly effective drug at present. Therefore, it is of important clinical value to develop new effective intervention drugs for the prevention and treatment of autoimmune liver disease. In order to investigate the potential protective effect of artesunate (Art) on concanavalin A (Con A)-induced autoimmune liver injury, different doses of Art (27, 54, 108 mg·kg⁻¹) were orally administered to mice for consecutive 7 days, respectively. Then the Con A was injected into mice via tail vein to induce liver injury models. 8 h after modeling, the mice were sacrificed. The serum and liver tissue were collected for detecting the level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate transaminase (AST), liver pathological histopathology, inflammatory cytokines and nuclear factor (NF-κB) key protein expression level. The results showed that 108 mg·kg⁻¹ Art remarkably reduced Con A-induced liver indexes and serum transaminase levels (ALT and AST) as compared with model group(P<0.01). Meanwhile, the liver histopathological changes were obviously alleviated with a significant decrease of pro-inflammatory cytokine including tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interferon (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL-6), IL-17 and a higher increase of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 (P<0.01). Western blot results showed that 108 mg·kg⁻¹ Art markedly inhibited the expressions of p-p65 and p-IκBα proteins (P<0.01). The specific inhibitor of NF-κB, pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (PDTC) could also significantly inhibit the expressions of p-p65 and p-IκBα with and alleviate liver injuries. Therefore, our results indicated that Art may have a protective action against Con A-induced autoimmune liver injury mainly by suppressing NF-κB signal pathway in mice. The study provides scientific reference for artesunate usage in preventing autoimmune liver injury.

Local hyperthermia mediated by gold nanoparticle-integrated silicone-covered stent: feasibility and tissue response in a rat esophageal model.

BACKGROUND: To assess the feasibility and tissue response of using a gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-integrated silicone-covered self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) for local hyperthermia in a rat esophageal model. METHODS: The study involved 42 Sprague-Dawley rats. Initially, 6 animals were subjected to near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation (power output from 0.2 to 2.4 W) to assess the in vitro heating characteristics of the AuNP-integrated SEMS immediately after its placement. The surface temperature of the stented esophagus was then measured using an infrared thermal camera before euthanizing the animals. Subsequently, the remaining 36 animals were randomly divided into 4 groups of 9 each. Groups A and B received AuNP-integrated SEMS, while groups C and D received conventional SEMS. On day 14, groups A and C underwent NIR laser irradiation at a power output of 1.6 W for 2 min. By days 15 (3 animals per group) or 28 (6 animals per group), all groups were euthanized for gross, histological, and immunohistochemical analysis. RESULTS: Under NIR laser irradiation, the surface temperature of the stented esophagus quickly increased to a steady-state level. The surface temperature of the stented esophagus increased proportionally with power outputs, being 47.3 ± 1.4 °C (mean ± standard deviation) at 1.6 W. Only group A attained full circumferential heating through all layers, from the epithelium to the muscularis propria, demonstrating marked apoptosis in these layers without noticeable necroptosis. CONCLUSIONS: Local hyperthermia using the AuNP-integrated silicone-covered SEMS was feasible and induced cell death through apoptosis in a rat esophageal model. RELEVANCE STATEMENT: A gold nanoparticle-integrated silicone-covered self-expanding metal stent has been developed to mediate local hyperthermia. This approach holds potential for irreversibly damaging cancer cells, improving the sensitivity of cancer cells to therapies, and triggering systemic anticancer immune responses. KEY POINTS: • A gold nanoparticle-integrated silicone-covered self-expanding metal stent was placed in the rat esophagus. • Upon near-infrared laser irradiation, this stent quickly increased the temperature of the stented esophagus. • Local hyperthermia using this stent was feasible and resulted in cell death through apoptosis.

Chitosan-coated PLGA microemulsion loaded with tannic acid against Escherichia coli in vitro and in vivo.

The overuse of antibiotics has resulted in a surge of drug-resistant bacteria, making the pursuit of natural antimicrobials an urgent and significant trend. Encapsulation and nanoparticulation are effective ways to enhance the antibacterial properties of natural drugs. In this study, we encapsulated tannic acid (TA) with chitosan (CS) and poly (lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) using the emulsion-solvent evaporation method to enhance the antimicrobial effect of TA. We prepared a bilayer membrane spherical nanoemulsion of TA-PLGA-CS (TPC) with uniform size of 559.87 ± 1.16 nm, and zeta potential of 59.53 ± 1.07 mV. TPC could be stably stored for 90 days at 4°C without affecting the properties of the emulsion, and the minimum bactericidal concentration against four strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli) remained unchanged for 60 d. The results indicated that TPC enhanced the inhibitory effect of TA against E. coli. Scanning electron microscope images revealed that TPC treatment caused damage to the bacterial cell membrane. In addition, in vivo experiments indicated that TPC exhibited a superior therapeutic effect on artificial colibacillosis in chickens infested with Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli, as evidenced by the changes in body weight and a reduction bacterial load in heart. Furthermore, TPC reversed the down-regulation of catalase, glutathione peroxidase1 (GPX1), and GPX7 gene expression levels in intestinal tissues. Compared to the model group, TPC treatment elevated serum glutathione peroxidase activities and lowered myeloperoxidase and lactate dehydrogenase levels, offering antioxidant protection that was slightly better than that of doxycycline hydrochlorid group. In summary, we prepared a novel TA antimicrobial preparation with significant antioxidant potential and inhibitory effect against E. coli both in vitro and in vivo.

Chitosan-coated artesunate protects against ulcerative colitis via STAT6-mediated macrophage M2 polarization and intestinal barrier protection.

Oral delivery of chitosan-coated artesunate (CPA) has been proven to be effective at preventing ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice. However, the anti-inflammatory mechanism is not fully understood. STAT6 is a key transcription factor that promotes anti-inflammatory effects by inducing M2 and Th2 dominant phenotypes, therefore we hypothesized STAT6 might play a key role in the process. To prove it, a STAT6 gene knockout macrophage cell line (STAT6-/- RAW264.7, by CRISPR/Cas9 method), and its corresponding Caco-2/RAW264.7 co-culture system combined with the STAT6 inhibitor (AS1517499, AS) in a mouse UC model were established and studied. The results showed that CPA remarkably suppressed the activation of TLR-4/NF-κB pathway and the mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines, while increased the IL-10 levels in RAW264.7. This effect of CPA contributed to the protection of the ZO-1 in Caco-2 which was disrupted upon the stimulation to macrophages. Simultaneously, CPA reduced the expression of CD86 but increase the expression of CD206 and p-STAT6 in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. However, above alterations were not obvious as in STAT6-/- RAW264.7 and its co-culture system, suggesting STAT6 plays a key role. Furthermore, CPA treatment significantly inhibited TLR-4/NF-κB activation, intestinal macrophage M1 polarization and mucosal barrier injury induced by DSS while promoted STAT6 phosphorylation in the UC mouse model, but this effect was also prominently counteracted by AS. Therefore, our data indicate that STAT6 is a major regulator in the balance of M1/M2 polarization, intestinal barrier integrity and then anti-colitis effects of CPA. These findings broaden our understanding of how CPA fights against UC and imply an alternative treatment strategy for UC via this pathway.

Randomized comparison of the four-hook anchor device and hook-wire use for the preoperative localization of pulmonary nodules.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of preoperative localization of small pulmonary nodules (SPNs) with 4-hook anchor device and hook-wire before video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. METHODS: Patients with SPNs scheduled for computed tomography-guided nodule localization before video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery between May 2021 and June 2021 at our center were randomized to either 4-hook anchor group or hook-wire group. The primary end point was intraoperative localization success. RESULTS: After randomization, 28 patients with 34 SPNs were assigned to the 4-hook anchor group and 28 patients with 34 SPNs to the hook-wire group. The operative localization success rate was significantly greater in the 4-hook anchor group than in the hook-wire group (94.1% [32/34] vs 64.7% [22/34]; P = .007). All lesions in the 2 groups were successfully resected under thoracoscopy, but 4 patients in the hook-wire group who required transition from wedge resection to segmentectomy or lobectomy because of unsuccessful localization. Total localization-related complication rate was significantly lower in the 4-hook anchor group than in the hook-wire group (10.3% [3/28] vs 50.0% [14/28]; P = .004). The rate of chest pain requiring analgesia after the localization procedure was significantly lower in the 4-hook anchor group than in the hook-wire group (0 vs 5/28, 17.9%; P = .026). There were no significant differences in localization technical success rate, operative blood loss, hospital stay length and hospital cost between the 2 groups (all P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: The use of the 4-hook anchor device for SPN localization offers advantages over the traditional hook-wire technique.

Efficacy and prognostic factors of COVID-19 vaccine in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: Analysis of data from a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is not clear. METHODS: From January 2022 to October 2022, patients diagnosed with HCC in a prospective, multicenter, observational cohort were analyzed. RESULTS: One hundred and forty-one patients with (n = 107) or without COVID-19 vaccination (n = 34) were included. The number of patients with severe or very severe infection was relatively lower in the vaccinated group (3.7% vs. 11.8%, p = 0.096). Median infection-free survival in the vaccinated group (14.0 vs. 8.3 months, p = 0.010) was significantly longer than that in the unvaccinated group. COVID-19 vaccination (hazard ratio (HR) HR = 0.47), European Cooperative Oncology Group performance score = 0 (HR = 2.06), and extrahepatic spread (HR = 0.28) were found to be the independent predictive factors for infection-free survival. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 vaccines could effectively reduce the SARS-Cov-2 infection in patients with HCC.