A Narrative Review of Diabetic Macroangiopathy: From Molecular Mechanism to Therapeutic Approaches.

Diabetic macroangiopathy, a prevalent and severe complication of diabetes mellitus, significantly contributes to the increased morbidity and mortality rates among affected individuals. This complex disorder involves multifaceted molecular mechanisms that lead to the dysfunction and damage of large blood vessels, including atherosclerosis (AS) and peripheral arterial disease. Understanding the intricate pathways underlying the development and progression of diabetic macroangiopathy is crucial for the development of effective therapeutic interventions. This review aims to shed light on the molecular mechanism implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic macroangiopathy. We delve into the intricate interplay of chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and dysregulated angiogenesis, all of which contribute to the vascular complications observed in this disorder. By exploring the molecular mechanism involved in the disease we provide insight into potential therapeutic targets and strategies. Moreover, we discuss the current therapeutic approaches used for treating diabetic macroangiopathy, including glycemic control, lipid-lowering agents, and vascular interventions.

Stereoscopic imaging of volatile organic compounds distribution in the region and tracing emission sources of volatile organic compounds using a novel movable single-photon ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer.

This paper presents a newly developed high-performance mobile single-photon ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (M-SPI-TOFMS) system for on-line analysis and stereoscopic monitoring of complex gas mixtures. The system is designed for stereoscopic imaging to map the distribution of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and trace their emission sources in urban areas and industrial parks. It mainly consists of a SPI-TOFMS instrument, a customized commercial vehicle, a meteorological five-parameter monitor with GPS, a high-power generator, and an uninterruptible power supply. The SPI technique, using a 118 nm VUV lamp, can ionize compounds with an ionization potential below 10.78 eV. Mass spectra obtained using this technique show the profiles of various VOCs and some inorganic compounds. The VOCs composition information and mobile location data are simultaneously sent to the GIS software. In GIS software, this data is used for real-time stereoscopic imaging of VOC distribution and precise tracking of VOC movement. The system can achieve a spatial data resolution of 0.69 mm at 25 km/h due to the microsecond detection speed of the M-SPI-TOFMS instrument. The laboratory test provides a rapid overview characterization of benzene, toluene, and xylene. The M-SPI-TOFMS has limits of detection and mass resolution of 33.7 pptv and 1060, respectively. Several field applications were carried out using M-SPI-TOFMS at various locations to identify VOC sources near different factories. The M-SPI-TOFMS system has a navigation monitoring speed of 25 km/h with a time resolution of 1 s. The widespread use of this system will provide accurate data to support environmental management departments in formulating VOCs pollution control policies and improving control efficiency.

Investigation of the hypoglycemic mechanism of the ShenQi compound formula through metabonomics and 16S rRNA sequencing.

Introduction: Herbal formulations are renowned for their complex biological activities, acting on multiple targets and pathways, as evidenced by in vitro studies. However, the hypoglycemic effect and underlying mechanisms of Shenqi Compound (SQ), a traditional Chinese herbal formula, remain elusive. This study aimed to elucidate the hypoglycemic effects of SQ and explore its mechanisms of action, focusing on intestinal flora and metabolomics. Methods: A Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rat model was established through a high-fat diet, followed by variable glucose and insulin injections to mimic the fluctuating glycemic conditions seen in diabetes. Results: An eight-week regimen of SQ significantly mitigated hyperglycemia, inflammation, and insulin resistance in these rats. Notably, SQ beneficially modulated the gut microbiota by increasing populations of beneficial bacteria, such as Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and Akkermansia, while reducing and inhibiting harmful strains such as Ruminococcus and Phascolarctobacterium. Metabolomics analyses revealed that SQ intervention corrected disturbances in Testosterone enanthate and Glycerophospholipid metabolism. Discussion: Our findings highlight the hypoglycemic potential of SQ and its mechanisms via modulation of the gut microbiota and metabolic pathways, offering a theoretical foundation for the use of herbal medicine in diabetes management.

Boosting the sensitivity of single photon ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry using a segmented focus quadrupole-ion guide.

Single photon ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SPI-TOF-MS) is a powerful analytical technique for real-time detection of trace VOCs. However, efficient ion transmission within the ionization chamber has always been a challenging issue in SPI-TOF-MS. In this study, a novel ion guide termed the Segmented Focus Quadrupole Ion Guide (SFQ-IG) was introduced for SPI-TOF-MS. The SFQ-IG device consists of 12 printed circuit boards (PCB), each containing four quarter-ring electrodes with inner diameters progressively decreasing from 26 to 4 mm. The simulation results demonstrated that SFQ-IG exhibited superior ion transmission efficiency than both ion funnel (IF) field and direct current-only (DC-only) field. By integrating into a SPI-TOF-MS, this ion guide was optimized in terms of the ionization source pressure, direct current gradient, and radio frequency amplitude. Further comparative experiments demonstrated that the SPI-TOF-MS with the SFQ-IG exhibited higher sensitivity than both the IF field (1.3-7.4 times) and DC-only field (3.5-8.8 times) for the test VOCs. The improvements in limit of detection (LOD) with the SFQ-IG ranged from 1.6 to 5.3 times compared to the DC-only field for the test VOCs. Fabricated using PCB technology, the SFQ-IG is characterized by its cost-effectiveness, compact size, and high transmission efficiency, facilitating its integration into other mass spectrometers.

Combination of traditional Chinese medicine and standard biomedical treatment for rosacea: a systematic review and a meta-analysis.

Background: A combination of standard biomedical treatment and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been suggested as a therapeutic approach for rosacea that may significantly lower the recurrence rate and clinical symptom scores. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the impact of this combination treatment on clinical symptom and TCM syndrome scores, as well as on the scores of the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), erythema index (EI), and interleukin 37 (IL-37) levels in patients with rosacea. Methods: The PROSPERO registration number for the study is CRD42023472737. We systematically searched the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Wanfang Database, China Biomedical Medicine database (CBM), and the VIP information resource integration service platform (cqvip) databases for RCTs (published from the beginning to September 2023, regardless of the language used) that compared the traditional Chinese medicine and standard biomedical treatment combination treatment to conventional anti-rosacea treatments. Our primary outcomes comprised the clinical symptom and TCM syndrome scores, and the scores of Dermatology Life Quality Index, erythema index, and IL-37 levels. We used a random-effects model to evaluate the pooled data. Results: We identified 260 studies. Of these, 13 eligible studies were employed for analysis (N = 1,348 participants). Compared with other anti-rosacea treatments, the TCM and standard biomedical treatment combination treatment yielded an improved mean reduction in the clinical symptom score -2.24% [95% CI (-3.02 to -1.46), p < 0.00001], TCM syndrome score -4.42 [95% CI (-5.33 to -3.50), p < 0.00001], and the score of DLQI of -2.55 [95% CI (-3.73 to -1.36), p < 0.00001], EI of -151.97 [95% CI (-276.59 to -27.36), p < 0.00001], and IL-37 level -4.23 [95% CI (-4.95 to -3.51), p = 0.854], as well as in the overall effective rate risk ratio (RR) = 1.25 [95%CI (1.18, 1.32), p = 0.994] and the recurrence rate = 0.27 [95%CI (0.15, 0.46), p = 0.297]. Conclusion: The TCM and standard biomedical treatment combination treatment can provide a better outcome, including a reduction in the TCM syndrome and clinical symptom scores, and in the scores of DLQI, EI, and IL-37. Hence, this combination is a viable and more effective therapeutic approach for rosacea. However, these results should be considered cautiously because of uncertain evidence and the low quality of the study reports considered in this meta-analysis. Systematic Review Registration: website, identifier CRD42023472737.

The research progress of crosstalk mechanism of autophagy and apoptosis in diabetic vascular endothelial injury.

In recent years, the widespread prevalence of diabetes has become a major killer that threatens the health of people worldwide. Of particular concern is hyperglycemia-induced vascular endothelial injury, which is one of the factors that aggravate diabetic vascular disease. During the process of diabetic vascular endothelial injury, apoptosis is an important pathological manifestation and autophagy is a key regulatory mechanism. Autophagy and apoptosis interact with each other. Hence, the crosstalk mechanism between the two processes is an important means of regulating diabetic vascular endothelial injury. This article reviews the research progress in apoptosis in the context of diabetic vascular endothelial injury and discusses the crosstalk mechanism of autophagy and apoptosis and its role in this injury. The purpose is to guide the prevention and treatment of diabetic vascular endothelial injury in the future.

Cryoprotective isoliquiritigenin-zein phosphatidylcholine nanoparticles inhibits breast cancer-bone metastasis by targeting JAK-STAT signaling pathways.

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in women and is known for its tendency to spread to the bones, causing significant health issues and mortality. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether cryoprotective isoliquiritigenin-zein phosphatidylcholine nanoparticles (ISL@ZLH NPs) could inhibit BC-induced bone destruction and tumor metastasis in both in vitro and animal models. To evaluate the potential of ISL@ZLH NPs, we conducted various experiments. First, we assessed cell viability, colony formation, transwell migration, and wound healing assays to determine the impact of ISL@ZLH NPs on BC cell behavior. Western blotting, TRAP staining and ALP activity were performed to examine the effects of ISL@ZLH NPs on osteoclast formation induced by MDA-MB-231 cell-conditioned medium and RANKL treated RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, we assessed the therapeutic impact of ISL@ZLH NPs on tumor-induced bone destruction using a mouse model of BC bone metastasis. Treatment with ISL@ZLH NPs effectively suppressed BC cell proliferation, colony formation, and motility, reducing their ability to metastasize. ISL@ZLH NPs significantly inhibited osteoclast formation and the expression of factors associated with bone destruction in BC cells. Additionally, ISL@ZLH NPs suppressed JAK-STAT signaling in RAW264.7 cells. In the BCBM mouse model, ISL@ZLH NPs led to a significant reduction in osteolytic bone lesions compared to the control group. Histological analysis and TRAP staining confirmed that ISL@ZLH NPs preserved the integrity of bone structure, preventing invasive metastasis by confining tumor growth to the bone marrow cavity. Furthermore, ISL@ZLH NPs effectively suppressed tumor-induced osteoclastogenesis, a key process in BC-related bone destruction. Our findings demonstrate that ISL@ZLH NPs have the potential to inhibit BC-induced bone destruction and tumor metastasis by targeting JAK-STAT signaling pathways and suppressing tumor-induced osteoclastogenesis. These results underscore the therapeutic promise of ISL@ZLH NPs in managing BC metastasis to the bones.

The potential of astragalus polysaccharide for treating diabetes and its action mechanism.

Type 2 diabetes presents a significant global health burden and is frequently linked to serious clinical complications, including diabetic cardiomyopathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy. Astragalus polysaccharide (APS), extracted from Astragalus membranaceus, exhibits various biochemical and physiological effects. In recent years, a growing number of researchers have investigated the role of APS in glucose control and the treatment of diabetes and its complications in various diabetes models, positioning APS as a promising candidate for diabetes therapy. This review surveys the literature on APS from several databases over the past 20 years, detailing its mechanisms of action in preventing and treating diabetes mellitus. The findings indicate that APS can address diabetes by enhancing insulin resistance, modulating the immune system, protecting islet cells, and improving the intestinal microbiota. APS demonstrates positive pharmacological value and clinical potential in managing diabetic complications, including diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, cardiomyopathy, cognitive dysfunction, wound healing, and more. However, further research is necessary to explore APS's bioavailability, optimal dosage, and additional clinical evidence.

The potential application and molecular mechanisms of natural products in the treatment of allergic rhinitis: A review.

BACKGROUNDS: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a non-infectious chronic inflammation of the nasal mucosa mainly mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE) in atopic individuals after exposure to allergens. The application of AR guideline-recommended pharmacotherapies can rapidly relieve symptoms of AR but with poor long-term efficacy, and many of these therapies have side effects. Many natural products and their derivatives have shown potential therapeutic effects on AR with fewer side effects. OBJECTIVES: This review aims to expand understanding of the roles and mechanisms of natural compounds in the treatment of AR and to highlight the importance of utilizing natural products in the treatment of AR. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We conducted a systematic literature search using PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Clinical Trials. The search was performed using keywords including natural products, natural compounds, bioproducts, plant extracts, naturally derived products, natural resources, allergic rhinitis, hay fever, pollinosis, nasal allergy. Comprehensive research and compilation of existing literature were conducted. RESULTS: This article provided a comprehensive review of the potential therapeutic effects and mechanisms of natural compounds in the treatment of AR. We emphasized that natural products primarily exert their effects by modulating signalling pathways such as NF-κB, MAPKs, STAT3/ROR-γt/Foxp3, and GATA3/T-bet, thereby inhibiting the activation and expansion of allergic inflammation. We also discussed their toxicity and clinical applications in AR therapy. CONCLUSION: Taken together, natural products exhibit great potential in the treatment of AR. This review is also expected to facilitate the application of natural products as candidates for treating AR. Furthermore, drug discovery based on natural products has a promising prospect in AR treatment.

Salvianolic acid B in fibrosis treatment: a comprehensive review.

Fibrosis is a public health issue of great concern characterized by the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix, leading to the destruction of parenchymal tissue and organ dysfunction that places a heavy burden on the global healthcare system due to its high incidence, disability, and mortality. Salvianolic acid B (SalB) has positively affected various human diseases, including fibrosis. In this review, we concentrate on the anti-fibrotic effects of SalB from a molecular perspective while providing information on the safety, adverse effects, and drug interactions of SalB. Additionally, we discuss the innovative SalB formulations, which give some references for further investigation and therapeutic use of SalB's anti-fibrotic qualities. Even with the encouraging preclinical data, additional research is required before relevant clinical trials can be conducted. Therefore, we conclude with recommendations for future studies. It is hoped that this review will provide comprehensive new perspectives on future research and product development related to SalB treatment of fibrosis and promote the efficient development of this field.

Chinese herbal medicine Shenqi compound for early intervention in patients at high cardiovascular risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus: the protocol of a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Introduction: Reducing multiple cardiovascular risk factors is a key link and a challenging clinical problem to reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications and death in patients with diabetes. Currently, there is a lack of clinical studies on patients with diabetes combined with multiple risk factors. Traditional Chinese medicine is believed to have therapeutic effects that contribute to the comprehensive control of multiple cardiovascular factors. This study aims to provide evidence for the efficacy and safety of Shenqi compound (SQC) for early intervention in diabetic patients at high cardiovascular risk. Methods and analysis: This study is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. A total of 120 diabetic patients with high cardiovascular risk were enrolled in five research centers. After a 2-week run-in period, the intervention group received basic treatment and SQC granules, and the control group received basic treatment and placebo granules for a total of 24 weeks, with a 24-week follow-up. The endpoint outcomes are major adverse cardiovascular events and renal-related and peripheral vascular disease events. The primary efficacy outcome is carotid intima-media thickness, and the secondary efficacy outcomes are carotid shear stress, indicators of glucose and lipid metabolism, pancreatic islets function, hemorheology, traditional Chinese medicine syndrome score, and quality of life scale. Safety indicators and adverse events were used to assess the safety of SQC. Discussion: This study comprehensively evaluated the efficacy and safety of SQC for early intervention in diabetic patients at high cardiovascular risk from the aspects of overall metabolic level, structure, and function of blood vessels, quality of life, and long-term follow-up of endpoint events, providing evidence-based evidence for the short-term efficacy and long-term benefits of early treatment to reduce the risk of diabetic cardiovascular complications.Trial Registration: This trial is registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry on March 9, 2023, https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=192803 (No. ChiCTR2300069219).