Computational modeling of air pollutants for aquatic risk: Prediction of ecological toxicity and exploring structural characteristics.

Assessing the aquatic toxicity originating from air pollutants is essential in sustaining water resources and maintaining the ecosystem's safety. Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models provide a computational tool for predicting pollutant toxicity, facilitating the identification/evaluation of the contaminants and identifying responsible structural fragments. One-vs-all (OvA) QSAR is a tailored approach to address multi-class QSAR problems. The study aims to determine five distinct levels of aquatic hazard categories for airborne pollutants using OvA-QSAR modeling containing 254 air contaminants. This QSAR analysis reveals the critical descriptors of air pollutants to target for molecular modification. Various factors, including the selection of relevant mechanistic descriptors, data quality, and outliers, determine the reliability of QSAR models. By employing feature selection and outlier identification approaches, the robustness and accuracy of our QSAR models were significantly increased, leading to more reliable predictions in chemical hazard assessment. The results revealed that models using the Random Forest algorithm performed the best based on the selected descriptors, with internal and external validation accuracy ranging from 71.90% to 97.53% and 76.47%-98.03%, respectively. This study indicated that the aquatic risk of air contaminants might be attributed predominantly to their sp3/sp2 carbon ratio, hydrogen-bond acceptor capability, hydrophilicity/lipophilicity, and van der Waals volumes. These structures can be critical in developing innovative strategies to mitigate or avoid the chemicals' harmful effects. Supporting air quality improvement, this study contributes to the rapid implementation of measures to protect aquatic ecosystems affected by air pollution.

Hidden schistosomiasis unveiled by appendicular peritonitis: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Schistosomal appendicitis is a rare disease, with reported prevalence rates ranging from 1.31 to 3.2 %. The presented case underscores the critical significance of considering appendicular schistosomiasis as a potential etiology in cases of acute appendicitis, emphasizing the necessity of comprehensive histopathological examination for accurate diagnosis and appropriate postoperative management. CASE PRESENTATION: A 29-year-old man from Guinea, with no significant medical history, presented with vomiting, persistent abdominal pain, and fatigue over five days. Physical examination revealed signs of peritoneal irritation and imaging showed features indicative of acute appendicitis. An appendectomy was conducted laparoscopically. Histological examination confirmed gangrenous appendicitis with the presence of schistosome eggs, diagnosing acute gangrenous appendicitis with schistosomiasis. The patient recovered well postoperatively and was discharged after treatment with praziquantel. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The clinical presentation of schistosomal appendicitis resembles that of other acute appendicitis cases. When suspicion arises due to risk factors, confirming schistosomiasis may involve serology, polymerase chain reaction assays, and identifying eggs in urine or feces. Computed tomography findings cannot distinguish acute appendicitis caused by Schistosoma species from other causes. CONCLUSIONS: Histopathological appendix analysis is crucial for detecting conditions like schistosomiasis, warranting postoperative care. Praziquantel therapy post-surgery is vital for eradicating the disease and preventing complications.

Therapeutic efficacy of JEW-M449, an anti-TCTP monoclonal antibody, administered via the nasal route in a BALB/c mouse model of ovalbumin-induced acute asthma.

Numerous studies have highlighted the role of translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) as a key inflammatory mediator of asthma and allergies. Our previous study revealed that blocking the cytokine-like activity of TCTP using JEW-M449, an anti-TCTP monoclonal antibody (mAb), alleviated allergic inflammation in asthmatic mice. This study aimed to determine whether directly delivering JEW-M449 into the respiratory tract is a more effective way of mitigating airway inflammation in a mouse model of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic airway inflammation than delivering this antibody via the intraperitoneal (IP) route. OVA-sensitized mice were intranasally administered JEW-M449 to enable its direct delivery to the respiratory tract before OVA challenge. We evaluated the changes in the levels of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cells, T helper type 2 (Th2) cytokines, OVA-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE), and histopathological alterations in the lung tissues. Intranasal (IN) administration of JEW-M449 significantly ameliorated the pathological changes associated with OVA-induced lung injury, including reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and mucus hypersecretion. Mice IN administered JEW-M449 also showed decreased OVA-mediated induction of Th2 cytokines in BALF and lung homogenates. Importantly, JEW-M449 delivered via the IN route reached the lung tissue more effectively and exerted superior anti-inflammatory effects in OVA-challenged mice than the IP-delivered JEW-M449. This study is the first to demonstrate the efficacy of directly delivering JEW-M449 anti-TCTP mAb into the respiratory tract to alleviate the asthma phenotype in a mouse model, thereby highlighting a potential delivery strategy for novel inhaled mAb therapeutics for human asthma.

Evaluation of Bisphenol S (BPS) toxicity on the reproductive system of Channa striatus: Insights for environmental risk assessment.

Aquatic ecosystems face significant exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which can mimic, block, or alter the synthesis of endogenous hormones. Bisphenol A (BPA), a widely known EDC, has been phased out from consumer products due to concerns about its potential impacts on human health. In its place, bisphenol S (BPS), an organic compound, has been increasingly used in the production of polycarbonate plastics, epoxy resins, thermal receipt papers, and currency. Vitellogenin (Vtg), a yolk precursor protein synthesized in the liver and present in oviparous fish, particularly males, serves as a pertinent biomarker for studying the effects of estrogenic EDCs on fish. This study aimed to assess the impact of BPS on reproductive parameters and hepatic vitellogenin expression in Channa striatus. The LC50 of BPS was determined to be 128.8 mg/L. Experimental groups included control and BPS-exposed fish, with sub-lethal concentrations of BPS (1 mg/L, 4 mg/L, and 12 mg/L) administered and effects monitored at seven- and twenty-one-day intervals. Significant decreases in gonadosomatic index (GSI), ova diameter, and fecundity were observed in BPS-exposed Channa striatus. Hepatic Vtg mRNA expression was downregulated in female and upregulated in male following BPS exposure. Serum hormone analysis confirmed the estrogenic activity of BPS. These findings underscore BPS's ability as an endocrine disruptor to interfere with hormone synthesis and disrupt spermatogenesis and oogenesis processes in Channa striatus. This research contributes to understanding the endocrine-disrupting effects of BPS on aquatic organisms, highlighting potential ecological implications and the need for continued monitoring and regulatory considerations.

Impact of Air Pollutants on Lung Function and Inflammatory Response in Asthma in Shanghai.

Objective: Air pollution is a leading public health issue. This study investigated the effect of air quality and pollutants on pulmonary function and inflammation in patients with asthma in Shanghai. Methods: The study monitored 27 asthma outpatients for a year, collecting data on weather, patient self-management [daily asthma diary, peak expiratory flow (PEF) monitoring, medication usage], spirometry and serum markers. To explore the potential mechanisms of any effects, asthmatic mice induced by ovalbumin (OVA) were exposed to PM 2.5. Results: Statistical and correlational analyses revealed that air pollutants have both acute and chronic effects on asthma. Acute exposure showed a correlation between PEF and levels of ozone (O 3) and nitrogen dioxide (NO 2). Chronic exposure indicated that interleukin-5 (IL-5) and interleukin-13 (IL-13) levels correlated with PM 2.5 and PM 10 concentrations. In asthmatic mouse models, exposure to PM 2.5 increased cytokine levels and worsened lung function. Additionally, PM 2.5 exposure inhibited cell proliferation by blocking the NF-κB and ERK phosphorylation pathways. Conclusion: Ambient air pollutants exacerbate asthma by worsening lung function and enhancing Th2-mediated inflammation. Specifically, PM 2.5 significantly contributes to these adverse effects. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms by which PM 2.5 impacts asthma.

The Immune Memory Response of In Vitro-Polarised Th1, Th2, and Th17 Cells in the Face of Ovalbumin-Transgenic Leishmania major in a Mouse Model.

Th1 and Th2 cytokines determine the outcome of Leishmania major infection and immune protection depends mainly on memory T cells induced during vaccination. This largely hinges on the nature and type of memory T cells produced. In this study, transgenic Leishmania major strains expressing membrane-associated ovalbumin (mOVA) and soluble ovalbumin (sOVA) were used as a model to study whether fully differentiated Th1/Th2 and Th17 cells can recall immune memory and tolerate pathogen manipulation. Naïve OT-II T cells were polarised in vitro into Th1/Th2 cells, and these cells were transferred adoptively into recipient mice. Following the transferral of the memory cells, the recipient mice were challenged with OVA transgenic Leishmania major and a wild-type parasite was used a control. The in vitro-polarised T helper cells continued to produce the same cytokine signatures after being challenged by both forms of OVA-expressing Leishmania major parasites in vivo. This suggests that antigen-experienced cells remain the same or unaltered in the face of OVA-transgenic Leishmania major. Such ability of these antigen-experienced cells to remain resilient to manipulation by the parasite signifies that vaccines might be able to produce immune memory responses and defend against parasitic immune manipulation in order to protect the host from infection.

Egg donation and gestational surrogacy: Pregnancy is riskier with an unrelated embryo.

Modern medicine has revolutionized family planning. Remarkably, women1 can carry to term embryos with whom they share no genetic connection, a feat made possible through egg donation and/or gestational surrogacy. Our reproductive systems evolved to accommodate embryos that are 50% related to the carrier, not 0% related. Here, we apply evolutionary theory to explain how and why pregnancy is riskier with an unrelated embryo. When a woman gestates an unrelated embryo, she is significantly more likely to develop preeclampsia and other diseases above and beyond the known risks associated with advanced maternal age, IVF, multiple gestation, and subfertility. Such "allogeneic pregnancies" are riskier even in fertile, healthy, commercial surrogates and when the egg is donated by a young, healthy donor. We propose that unrelated embryos present a special immune challenge to the gestational carrier, because they have fewer matching genes to the maternal body-therefore exacerbating symptoms of evolutionary maternal-fetal conflict. Indeed, maternal risks seem lower when the embryo is more related to the carrier, e.g., if a sister donates the egg. Finally, we discuss microchimerism in egg donation pregnancies, whereby wholly foreign cells pass from mother to embryo and vice-versa. We conclude with several medical proposals. First, egg donors and surrogates should be informed of the increased health risks they would face. In considerations of risk, these young, fertile women should not be compared to older, infertile women undergoing IVF; the proper comparison group is other young, fertile women. Second, contrary to some medical advice, perhaps genetically-related egg donors and surrogates should be preferred, all else equal. An immunological matching scheme, like what is used for organ transplants, could improve surrogate pregnancy outcomes. Third, more research is needed on microchimerism, sperm exposure, and the long-term impacts of allogeneic pregnancies on maternal and child health.

Fusogenic Lipid Nanovesicle for Biomacromolecular Delivery.

Although biomacromolecules are promising cytosolic drugs which have attracted tremendous attention, the major obstacles were the cellular membrane hindering the entrance and the endosome entrapment inducing biomacromolecule degradation. How to avoid those limitations to realize directly cytosolic delivery was still a challenge. Here, we prepared oligoarginine modified lipid to assemble a nanovesicle for biomacromolecules delivery, including mRNA (mRNA) and proteins which could be directly delivered into the cytoplasm of dendritic cells through subendocytosis-mediated membrane fusion. We named this membrane fusion lipid nanovesicle as MF-LNV. The mRNA loaded MF-LNV as nanovaccines showed efficient antigen expression to elicit robust immuno responses for cancer therapy. What's more, the antigen protein loaded MF-LNV as nanovaccines elicits much stronger CD8+ T cell specific responses than lipid nanoparticles through normal uptake pathways. This MF-LNV represented a refreshing strategy for intracellular delivery of the biomacromolecule.

Coevolution between eggs and sperm of insects.

Sexual selection is known to play a major role in the evolution of insect sperm size, whereas natural selection is thought to be a major driver of insect egg size. Despite these differing forms of selection operating, it is possible coevolution between male and female gametes can occur owing to their vital interactions during fertilization. We tested egg-sperm coevolution in insects and found that longer sperm correlated to longer and wider eggs. Moreover, the size of the entry point of sperm into insect eggs (micropyles), was positively related to the diameter of sperm, on average being approximately three times the diameter of the sperm. This suggests a function in reducing and channelling sperm entry, but potentially still leaving space for movement. Our work suggests that greater attention needs to be paid to egg-sperm interactions prior to the point of fertilization as they may influence the evolution of gametes.

The Structural Characterization of a Polysaccharide from the Dried Root of Salvia miltiorrhiza and Its Use as a Vaccine Adjuvant to Induce Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses.

In order to supplement the research gap concerning Salvia miltiorrhiza polysaccharide extracted from Danshen in NMR analysis, and to clarify its immune enhancement effect as an adjuvant, we isolated and purified SMPD-2, which is composed of nine monosaccharides such as Ara, Gal, and Glc from Danshen. Its weight average molecular weight was 37.30 ± 0.096 KDa. The main chain was mainly composed of →4)-α-D-Galp-(1→, →3,6)-ß-D-Glcp-(1→ and a small amount of α-L-Araf-(1→. After the subcutaneous injection of SMPD-2 as an adjuvant to OVA in mice, we found that it enhanced the immune response by activating DCs from lymph nodes, increasing OVA-specific antibody secretion, stimulating spleen lymphocyte activation, and showing good biosafety. In conclusion, SMPD-2 could be a promising candidate for an adjuvant.

Schistosomal appendicitis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Schistosomiasis is one of the endemic parasitic diseases in many developing countries. Despite this, appendicitis secondary to schistosomiasis is an uncommon condition even in some endemic areas. Schistosomal appendicitis, an incidentally discovered appendicitis associated with schistosomiasis histological findings, affects young males predominantly. Timely diagnosis and treatment, including appendectomy and anti-helminthic therapy, are crucial. CASE REPORT: A 24-year-old Sudanese male patient presented with abdominal pain. Diagnosed with acute appendicitis, he underwent appendectomy, revealing appendix inflammation with Schistosoma ova in histopathology. Abdominal ultrasound detected no complications. Weakly positive Schistosoma serology was noted, but stool and urine analysis showed no infection evidence. Prescribed praziquantel, patient had 3-year post-op follow-up without complications. CONCLUSIONS: This case report underscores the significance of including schistosomiasis in the differential diagnosis of appendicitis, particularly in regions where the disease is endemic. It underscores the necessity of histopathological evaluations for accurate diagnosis, emphasizing the potential implications for clinical practice in similar settings.

Probiotic Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis with Trichuris suis ova: A Randomized, Double-blinded, Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial (the PROCTO Trial).

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: To demonstrate that administration of 7500 Trichuris suis ova every second week over 24 weeks would reduce the intestinal inflammation in moderate ulcerative colitis. METHODS: A single-centre, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, phase 2b clinical trial of 7500 Trichuris suis ova every two weeks for 24 weeks compared to placebo in moderate activity of ulcerative colitis (Mayo score 6-10) were performed. Primary outcome: Clinical remission. Secondary outcomes: Clinical response at 24 weeks, complete corticosteroid-free clinical remission, endoscopic remission, symptomatic remission at 12 and 24 weeks and partial Mayo score over time. RESULTS: 119 patients were randomized to Trichuris suis ova (n=60) and placebo (n=59). At week 24, clinical remission was achieved in 30% of Trichuris suis ova-treated vs. 34% of placebo-treated (RR=0.89; CI:0.52-1.50; p=0.80, ITT). No difference was found in clinical response in any of the clinical response subgroups. However, in patients who did not need treatment with corticosteroids during the trial, a temporary effect of TSO was seen in the analysis of symptomatic remission of week 12 (p=0.01), and the partial Mayo score at week 14 and week 18 (p<0.05 and p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to placebo, Trichuris suis ova was not superior in achieving clinical remission at week 24 in ulcerative colitis or in achieving clinical Mayo score reduction, complete corticosteroid-free clinical remission or endoscopic remission. However, Trichuris suis ova treatment induced symptomatic temporary remission at week 12.

Ginger and its constituents in asthma: a mini-review.

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this review is to focus on research findings that aim to determine the immunomodulatory action of ginger's active components and the molecular mechanisms that reduce asthma. The study aims to provide an overview of the scientific literature available on ginger's efficacy in treating allergic asthma. DATA SOURCE: The mouse model of asthma has been used to investigate the actions of ginger and its active compounds on allergies and asthma. Various studies and scientific literature on ginger's health-improving qualities and its traditional use have been examined. RESULTS: The findings indicate that ginger and its active ingredients have anti-asthmatic features and a suppressive impact on mast cell production of histamine. Animals given ginger and compounds derived from ginger demonstrate a notable reduction in allergic response, suggesting a significant role in lowering the allergic reaction. CONCLUSION: While ginger shows promise as a potential treatment for allergies and asthma due to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antidiabetic, anticancer, and antioxidant effects, further examination, extrapolation, and confirmation of these results are necessary before utilizing ginger and its active components in human treatments. This review highlights the need for additional research and provides an overview of the current scientific literature on ginger's efficacy in treating allergic asthma.

Emulsification properties of ovalbumin-fucoidan (OVA-FUC) binary complexes.

The poor thermal stability and emulsifying properties of ovalbumin (OVA) limit its functional performance, but these limitations may be overcome by forming binary complexes. We prepared binary complexes of OVA and fucoidan (FUC) through electrostatic self-assembly and investigated the emulsifying properties of the complex by measuring the particle size, interfacial membrane thickness, zeta potential, and stability of the emulsion prepared with camellia oil and the complex. The OVA-FUC emulsions have a thicker interfacial membrane, lower mobility, higher viscosity, and better stability compared with the OVA emulsions. The emulsion prepared with 1.5 % OVA-FUC remained stable and homogeneous during storage. They tended to become unstable with freeze-thaw, but the oil encapsulated did not leak after coalescence occurred. With the addition of Ca2+, the OVA-FUC emulsion will be converted into a gel state. These findings indicate that OVA-FUC binary complexes can be used to prepare high-performance emulsions with great potential for development.

Effect of Exposure to Particulate Matter on the Ocular Surface in an Experimental Allergic Eye Disease Mouse Model.

In response to the escalating concern over the effect of environmental factors on ocular health, this study aimed to investigate the impact of air pollution-associated particulate matter (PM) on ocular allergy and inflammation. C57BL/6 mice were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) topically and aluminum hydroxide via intraperitoneal injection. Two weeks later, the mice were challenged with OVA and exposed to PM. Three groups-naive, OVA, and OVA-sensitized with PM exposure (OVA + PM) groups-were induced to an Allergic Eye disease (AED) model. Parameters including clinical signs, histological changes, inflammatory cell infiltration, serum OVA-specific immunoglobulins E (IgE) levels, mast cells degranulation, cellular apoptosis and T-cell cytokines were studied. The results demonstrate that exposure with PM significantly exacerbates ocular allergy, evidenced by increased eye-lid edema, mast cell degranulation, inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-5 and TNF-α), cell proliferation (Ki67), and serum IgE, polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN), and apoptosis and reduced goblet cells. These findings elucidate the detrimental impact of PM exposure on exacerbating the severity of AED. Noticeably, diminished goblet cells highlight disruptions in ocular surface integrity, while increased PMN infiltration with an elevated production of IgE signifies a systemic allergic response with inflammation. In conclusion, this study not only scientifically substantiates the association between air pollution, specifically PM, and ocular health, but also underscores the urgency for further exploration and targeted interventions to mitigate the detrimental effects of environmental pollutants on ocular surfaces.

Breast milk-mediated exposure to dioxins and antigen in infancy enhances antigen-specific antibody production capacity in adulthood in mice.

The immune system is sensitive to many chemicals. Among dioxin compounds, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodizenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is the most toxic environmental pollutant. The effects of perinatal maternal exposure to dioxins may persist into childhood. However, there have been no reports to date on the effects of exposure to dioxins during infancy, when the immune organs are developing. Therefore, we investigated the effects of TCDD and antigen exposure during lactation on immune function, especially antibody production capacity, in adult mice. Beginning the day after delivery, lactating mothers were orally administered TCDD or a mixture of TCDD and ovalbumin (OVA) daily for 4 weeks, until the pups were weaned. At 6 weeks of age, progeny mice were orally administered OVA daily for 10 weeks, while non-progeny mice were orally administered OVA or a mixture of TCDD and OVA daily for 10 weeks. Production of serum OVA-specific IgG was examined weekly. The amount of TCDD transferred from the mother to the progeny via breast milk was determined by measuring TCDD in the gastric contents of the progeny. A trend toward increasing IgA titer was observed in TCDD-treated mice, and production of IgE was observed only in progeny whose mothers were treated with TCDD and OVA. The results suggest that exposure to TCDD and OVA in breast milk can affect immune function in newborns.

Awareness towards urinary schistosomiasis and its relation with active infection among primary school pupils and students in North Kordofan state, Sudan 2022.

Objectives: This study intends to evaluate the prevalence of active Schistosomiasis in school children, as well as their awareness, attitude, and behavior towards the illness in El-Rahad province. Methods: This facility-based analytical cross-sectional study among 495 primary school children aged seven to 13 in five villages; Structured and pre-tested questionnaires were used to collect the data in face-to-face interviews, in addition, urine samples were collected from each pupil and then assessed microscopically for S. Haematobium eggs Presence. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Results: A total of 424 primary school students participated in the study. Almost all the students (96%) had poor knowledge about urinary schistosomiasis. In general, 100% of the students had poor practices. Attitude revealed that females have lower chance of having the infection than their male counterparts. About 27% (n = 115) of them had active urinary schistosomiasis infection at the time of the study. Conclusion: The study revealed poor level of awareness and knowledge, positive attitude, and poor practices among primary school students. There was also high level of active infection among participants.

An environmental evaluation of urine-diverting dry toilets in Hiloweyn Camp, Dollo Ado, Ethiopia.

Safe and hygienic management of human waste is essential in humanitarian settings. Urine-diverting dry toilets (UDDTs) can enable this management in some humanitarian emergency settings. A seeded, longitudinal environmental study was conducted in Hiloweyn refugee camp, Dollo Ado, Ethiopia, to measure Escherichia coli and Ascaris suum ova inactivation within closed UDDT vaults and to document environmental conditions (temperature, moisture content, and pH) that could influence inactivation. Hiloweyn camp represented an optimal location for a desiccation-based sanitation technology such as the UDDT. E. coli and Ascaris ova inactivation was observed in UDDTs under warm, dry, alkaline conditions at 6, 9, and 12 months of storage; UDDTs with samples containing <1000 E. coli/g total solids increased from 30 % to 95 % over 12 months, and a >2.8-log10 reduction in Ascaris ova viability was observed after 6 months. Additional laboratory-based studies were conducted to provide insights into the field study findings and study the impact of hydrated lime on E. coli and Ascaris ova inactivation. Results suggest that adding hydrated lime to elevate pH > 12 may increase inactivation and decrease storage time. Overall, UDDTs could contribute to the safe and hygienic management of human waste in comparable warm and dry humanitarian settings.

Effect of trigger day serum luteinising hormone levels on the in-vitro fertilization outcome: an observational study.

OBJECTIVE: Controlled ovarian stimulation leads to profound changes in the endocrine characteristics of the ovarian cycle. Serum luteinising hormone (LH) levels on the day of trigger have been shown to correlate with oocyte quality and pregnancy rate in antagonist cycles. METHODS: This is an observational study of 86 women undergoing an antagonist in-vitro fertilisation cycle. Oocyte maturation trigger used was either Inj. human chorionic gonadotropin or Inj. triptorelin 0.2 mg s/c or a combination of both. Women were categorised into four groups based on serum LH levels on the day of trigger i.e., LH ≤0.5 (n=8), LH=0.6- 1.0 international units (IU)/L (n=12), LH=1.0-1.5 IU/L (n=13), and LH >1.6 IU/L (n=53) and the subgroup analysis was done based on type of trigger used. RESULTS: Mature oocyte (MII) retrieval rate did not show a significant relation with serum LH levels (87%, 89%, 77%, and 76% in groups with LH <0.5, 0.5-1.0, 1.0-1.5, and >1.5 IU/L respectively; P-value=0.243). There was no significant difference in the clinical pregnancy rate either when women were split according to the type of trigger given or according to trigger day LH levels. Women with low LH levels (<0.5 IU/L) required significantly more doses of gonadotropins compared to women with LH levels of 1.0-1.5 IU/L. (3,531+1,133 vs. 2,281+938; P-value=0.01). CONCLUSION: Based on the observation from the current study, there was no significant association of serum LH levels with MII retrieval rate and clinical pregnancy rate. The group with low LH levels required slightly longer days of stimulation.

Network pharmacology and experimental evidence: MAPK signaling pathway is involved in the anti-asthma roles of Perilla frutescens leaf.

Perilla frutescens (PF) leaf is a traditional Chinese medicine and food with beneficial effects on allergic asthma. We sought to elucidate the active compounds, the targets, and underlying mechanisms of PF leaf in the treatment of allergic asthma by using experimental pharmacology and network pharmacology. An OVA-allergic asthma murine model was constructed to evaluate the effect of PF leaf on allergic asthma. And the network pharmacology and western blotting were performed to evaluate its underlying mechanisms in allergic asthma. PF leaf treatment significantly improved the lung function of OVA model mice and mitigated lung injury by significantly reducing of OVA-specific immunoglobulin E in serum, and interleukin 4, interleukin 5 and tumor necrosis factor alpha in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. 50 core targets were screened based on 8 compounds (determined by high performance liquid chromatography) through compound-target- disease network. Furthermore, MAPK signaling pathway was identified as the pathway mediated by PF leaf with the most potential against allergic asthma. And the WB results showed that PF leaf could down-regulate the expression of p-ERK, p-JNK and p-p38, which was highly consistent with the predicted targets and pathway network. In conclusion, this study provides the evidence to support the molecular mechanisms of PF leaf on the treatment of allergic asthma using network pharmacology and in vivo experiments.