Mangiferin, a Potential Supplement to Improve Metabolic Syndrome: Current Status and Future Opportunities.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) represents a considerable clinical and public health burden worldwide. Mangiferin (MF), a flavonoid compound present in diverse species such as mango (Mangifera indica L.), papaya (Pseudocydonia sinensis (Thouin) C. K. Schneid.), zhimu (Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge), and honeybush tea (Cyclopia genistoides), boasts a broad array of pharmacological effects. It holds promising uses in nutritionally and functionally targeted foods, particularly concerning MetS treatment. It is therefore pivotal to systematically investigate MF's therapeutic mechanism for MetS and its applications in food and pharmaceutical sectors. This review, with the aid of a network pharmacology approach complemented by this experimental studies, unravels possible mechanisms underlying MF's MetS treatment. Network pharmacology results suggest that MF treats MetS effectively through promoting insulin secretion, targeting obesity and inflammation, alleviating insulin resistance (IR), and mainly operating via the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt, nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-[Formula: see text]B), microtubule-associated protein kinase (MAPK), and oxidative stress signaling pathways while repairing damaged insulin signaling. These insights provide a comprehensive framework to understand MF's potential mechanisms in treating MetS. These, however, warrant further experimental validation. Moreover, molecular docking techniques confirmed the plausibility of the predicted outcomes. Hereafter, these findings might form the theoretical bedrock for prospective research into MF's therapeutic potential in MetS therapy.

Moving beyond traditional therapies: the role of nanomedicines in lung cancer.

Amidst a global rise in lung cancer occurrences, conventional therapies continue to pose substantial side effects and possess notable toxicities while lacking specificity. Counteracting this, the incorporation of nanomedicines can notably enhance drug delivery at tumor sites, extend a drug's half-life and mitigate inadvertent toxic and adverse impacts on healthy tissues, substantially influencing lung cancer's early detection and targeted therapy. Numerous studies signal that while the nano-characteristics of lung cancer nanomedicines play a pivotal role, further interplay with immune, photothermal, and genetic factors exist. This review posits that the progression towards multimodal combination therapies could potentially establish an efficacious platform for multimodal targeted lung cancer treatments. Current nanomedicines split into active and passive targeting. Active therapies focus on a single target, often with unsatisfactory results. Yet, developing combination systems targeting multiple sites could chart new paths in lung cancer therapy. Conversely, low drug delivery rates limit passive therapies. Utilizing the EPR effect to bind specific ligands on nanoparticles to tumor cell receptors might create a new regime combining active-passive targeting, potentially elevating the nanomedicines' concentration at target sites. This review collates recent advancements through the lens of nanomedicine's attributes for lung cancer therapeutics, the novel carrier classifications, targeted therapeutic modalities and their mechanisms, proposing that the emergence of multi-target nanocomposite therapeutics, combined active-passive targeting therapies and multimodal combined treatments will pioneer novel approaches and tools for future lung cancer clinical therapies.

Cycads: A comprehensive review of its botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology.

Cycads, which primarily consist of the families Cycadaceae and Zamiaceae, possess intrinsic therapeutic attributes that are prominently expressed across their morphological spectrum, including roots, leaves, flowers, and seeds. In Chinese traditional medicine, the leaves of cycads are particularly revered for their profound healing capabilities. This meticulous review engages with existing literature on cycads and presents insightful avenues for future research. Over 210 phytoconstituents have been isolated and identified from various cycad tissues, including flavonoids, azoxy metabolites, sterols, lignans, non-proteogenic amino acids, terpenoids, and other organic constituents. The contemporary pharmacological discourse highlights the antineoplastic, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic activities inherent in these ancient plants, which are of particular importance to the field of oncology. Despite the prevalent focus on crude extracts and total flavonoid content, our understanding of the nuanced pharmacodynamics of cycads lags considerably behind. The notoriety of cycads derived toxicity, notably within the context of Guam's neurological disease cluster, has precipitated an established emphasis on toxicological research within this field. As such, this critical review emphasizes nascent domains deserving of academic and clinical pursuit, whilst nested within the broader matrix of current scientific understanding. The systematic taxonomy, traditional applications, phytochemical composition, therapeutic potential, and safety profile of cycads are holistically interrogated, assimilating an indispensable repository for future scholarly inquiries. In conclusion, cycads stand as a veritable treasure trove of pharmacological virtue, displaying remarkable therapeutic prowess and holding vast promise for ongoing scientific discovery and clinical utilization.

Comprehensive insight into the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, toxicity, detoxification and extraction of hypaconitine from Aconitum plants.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Hypaconitine (HA), a diterpenoid alkaloid, mainly derived from Aconitum plants such as Acoitum carmichaeli Debx. And Aconitum nagarum Stapf., has recently piqued significant interest among the scientific community given its multifaceted attributes including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, analgesic, and cardio-protective properties. AIM OF THE STUDY: This review presents a comprehensive exploration of the research advancements regarding the traditional uses, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and toxicity reduction of HA. It aims to provide a thorough understanding of HA's multifaceted properties and its potential applications in various fields. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted using several prominent databases including PubMed, Web of Science, NCBI, and CNKI. The search was performed using specific keywords such as "hypaconitine," "heart failure," "anti-inflammatory," "aconite decoction," "pharmacological," "pharmacokinetics," "toxicity," "detoxification or toxicity reduction," and "extraction and isolation." The inclusion of these keywords ensured a comprehensive exploration of relevant studies and enabled the retrieval of valuable information pertaining to the various aspects of HA. RESULTS: Existing research has firmly established that HA possesses a range of pharmacological effects, encompassing anti-cardiac failure, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-tumor properties. The therapeutic potential of HA is promising, with potential applications in heart failure, ulcerative colitis, cancer, and other diseases. Pharmacokinetic studies suggest that HA exhibits high absorption rates, broad distribution, and rapid metabolism. However, toxic effects of HA on the nerves, heart, and embryos have also been observed. To mitigate these risks, HA needs attenuation before use, with the most common detoxification methods being processing and combined use with other drugs. Extraction methods for HA most commonly include cold maceration, soxhlet reflux extraction, and ultrasonic-assisted extraction. Despite the potential therapeutic benefits of HA, further research is warranted to elucidate its anti-heart failure effects, particularly in vivo, exploring aspects such as in vivo metabolism, distribution, and metabolites. Additionally, the therapeutic effects of HA monomers on inflammation-induced diseases and tumors should be validated in a more diverse range of experimental models, while the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of HA should be investigated in greater detail. CONCLUSION: This review serves to emphasize the therapeutic potential of HA and highlights the crucial need to address its toxicity concerns before considering clinical application. Further research is required to comprehensively investigate the pharmacological properties of HA, with particular emphasis on its anti-cardiac failure and anti-inflammatory activities. Such research endeavors have the potential to unveil novel treatment avenues for a broad spectrum of diseases.

Correction: Eriodictyol: a review of its pharmacological activities and molecular mechanisms related to ischemic stroke.

Correction for 'Eriodictyol: a review of its pharmacological activities and molecular mechanisms related to ischemic stroke' by Sa Guo et al., Food Funct., 2023, 14, 1851-1868, https://doi.org/10.1039/D2FO03417D.

Swertia L.: A comprehensive review of its genetic relationship, chemical compositions, pharmacological effects, toxicities, and applications.

Swertia L., as a commonly used ethnic medicine, is widely distributed in Sichuan, Yunnan, and Xizang in China. Moreover, the medicinal plants of Swertia L. have been widely used and constitute one of the most important sources of various traditional medicines in China due to their prominent activities. In this review, the information on the classification, distribution, genetic relationship, chemical composition, pharmacological effects, toxicities, and applications of the medicinal plants in Swertia L. was summarized based on the scientific literature. The results indicated that the medicinal plants of Swertia L. mainly contained chemical components including triterpenes, xanthones, and iridoids. These compounds exert pharmacological effects including ameliorating diseases related to the liver and gallbladder. They also exert antiviral and antibacterial effects and can alleviate the increase in blood glucose levels. Especially, prescriptions related to Swertia L. have been widely adopted in preclinical and clinical studies to protect against diseases affecting the liver and the gallbladder, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and cholecystitis. In addition, it also discusses toxicity studies and future perspectives and provides a reference for their clinical development and utilization.

Ferroptosis in lung cancer: a novel pathway regulating cell death and a promising target for drug therapy.

Lung cancer is a common malignant tumor that occurs in the human body and poses a serious threat to human health and quality of life. The existing treatment methods mainly include surgical treatment, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. However, due to the strong metastatic characteristics of lung cancer and the emergence of related drug resistance and radiation resistance, the overall survival rate of lung cancer patients is not ideal. There is an urgent need to develop new treatment strategies or new effective drugs to treat lung cancer. Ferroptosis, a novel type of programmed cell death, is different from the traditional cell death pathways such as apoptosis, necrosis, pyroptosis and so on. It is caused by the increase of iron-dependent reactive oxygen species due to intracellular iron overload, which leads to the accumulation of lipid peroxides, thus inducing cell membrane oxidative damage, affecting the normal life process of cells, and finally promoting the process of ferroptosis. The regulation of ferroptosis is closely related to the normal physiological process of cells, and it involves iron metabolism, lipid metabolism, and the balance between oxygen-free radical reaction and lipid peroxidation. A large number of studies have confirmed that ferroptosis is a result of the combined action of the cellular oxidation/antioxidant system and cell membrane damage/repair, which has great potential application in tumor therapy. Therefore, this review aims to explore potential therapeutic targets for ferroptosis in lung cancer by clarifying the regulatory pathway of ferroptosis. Based on the study of ferroptosis, the regulation mechanism of ferroptosis in lung cancer was understood and the existing chemical drugs and natural compounds targeting ferroptosis in lung cancer were summarized, with the aim of providing new ideas for the treatment of lung cancer. In addition, it also provides the basis for the discovery and clinical application of chemical drugs and natural compounds targeting ferroptosis to effectively treat lung cancer.

Eriodictyol: a review of its pharmacological activities and molecular mechanisms related to ischemic stroke.

Ischemic stroke (IS) is characterized by a prominent mortality and disability rate, which has increased the burden on the global economy to a certain extent. Meanwhile, patients benefit little from the limited clinical strategies of intravenous alteplase and thrombectomy due to the limited therapeutic window. Given this, it is urgent to study new therapeutic methods to intervene in these patients. Eriodyctiol (ERD) is a major natural flavonoid, which widely exists in fruits, vegetables, and medicinal herbs, and has various pharmacological properties. It has been reported that ERD can maintain homeostasis in organisms by exerting neuroprotective and vascular protective effects. Therefore, more and more studies have focused on the pharmacological activity and mechanism of ERD in IS. This paper provides an overview of the plant sources, phytochemical properties, pharmacokinetics, and pathogenesis, as well as the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of ERD in IS. To date, preclinical studies on ERD in diverse cell lines and animal models have established the idea of ERD as a feasible agent capable of specifically ameliorating IS. The molecular mechanisms of ERD to prevent or reduce IS are mainly based on the inhibition of inflammation, oxidative stress, autophagy and apoptosis. Nevertheless, the mechanism of ERD against IS is flawed and needs more exploration by the research community. Moreover, well-designed clinical trials are needed to increase the scientific validity of the beneficial effects of ERD against IS.

Deciphering hepatocellular carcinoma pathogenesis and therapeutics: a study on anoikis, ceRNA regulatory network and traditional Chinese medicine.

Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is responsible for approximately 90% of liver malignancies and is the third most common cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. However, the role of anoikis, a programmed cell death mechanism crucial for maintaining tissue equilibrium, is not yet fully understood in the context of HCC. Methods: Our study aimed to investigate the expression of 10 anoikis-related genes (ARGs) in HCC, including BIRC5, SFN, UBE2C, SPP1, E2F1, etc., and their significance in the disease. Results: Through Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses, we discovered that these ARGs are involved in important processes such as tissue homeostasis, ion transport, cell cycle regulation, and viral infection pathways. Furthermore, we found a significant correlation between the prognostic value of five ARGs and immune cell infiltrates. Analysis of clinical datasets revealed a strong association between BIRC5 expression and HCC pathological progression, including pathological stage, T stage, overall survival (OS), and race. By constructing a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network and using molecular docking, we identified ten bioactive compounds from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that could potentially modulate BIRC5. Subsequent in vitro experiments confirmed the influence of platycodin D, one of the identified compounds, on key elements within the ceRNA network. Discussion: In conclusion, our study presents a novel framework for an anoikis-centered prognostic model and an immune-involved ceRNA network in HCC, revealing potential regulatory targets. These insights contribute to our understanding of HCC pathology and may lead to improved therapeutic interventions.

Radical selenation of C(sp3)-H bonds to asymmetric selenides and mechanistic study.

Selenides are important structural motifs with a broad range of biological activities and versatile transformational abilities. In this study, a novel and mild method was developed for the facile synthesis of asymmetric selenides under metal-free conditions. The key features of this reaction include good functional-group tolerance, the use of readily available reagents and cheap, low-toxicity solvent, and amenability to gram-scale synthesis. The results of preliminary radical-trapping experiments and a kinetic isotope effect study support a radical process.

CDK9 Inhibitor Induces the Apoptosis of B-Cell Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia by Inhibiting c-Myc-Mediated Glycolytic Metabolism.

B-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia (B-ALL), a common blood cancer in children, leads to high mortality. Cyclin-dependent kinase 9 inhibitor (CDK9i) effectively attenuates acute myeloid leukemia and chronic lymphoblastic leukemia by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting cell proliferation. However, the effect of CDK9i on B-ALL cells and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we showed that CDK9i induced the apoptosis of B-ALL cells in vitro by activating the apoptotic pathways. In addition, CDK9i restrained the glycolytic metabolism of B-ALL cells, and CDK9i-induced apoptosis was enhanced by co-treatment with glycolysis inhibitors. Furthermore, CDK9i restained the glycolysis of B-ALL cell lines by markedly downregulating the expression of glucose transporter type 1 (GLUT1) and the key rate-limiting enzymes of glycolysis, such as hexokinase 2 (HK2) and lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA). Moreover, cell apoptosis was rescued in B-ALL cells with over-expressed c-Myc after treatment with CDK9i, which is involved in the enhancement of glycolytic metabolism. In summary, our findings suggest that CDK9 inhibitors induce the apoptosis of B-ALL cells by inhibiting c-Myc-mediated glycolytic metabolism, thus providing a new strategy for the treatment of B-ALL.

Exploring the protective effect of Gynura procumbens against type 2 diabetes mellitus by network pharmacology and validation in C57BL/KsJ db/db mice.

Gynura procumbens (Lour.) (GP), which is an edible herb, has been shown to have prominent anti-hyperglycemic activity. Nevertheless, the complex chemical composition of GP has impeded clarification of the molecular mechanisms of its effects on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In this study, we adopted a network pharmacology approach for the exploration of the potential mechanisms of GP on T2DM. The results suggested that the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway plays a momentous role in the effects of GP. Therefore, we further investigated the effects of GP on T2DM and the mechanism of action based on the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. In vitro experiments showed that GP ameliorated insulin resistance (IR) and glucose metabolism, thus indicating marked hypoglycemic activity. In vivo experiments showed that blood glucose, liver damage, and insulin sensitivity were ameliorated by GP intervention. Furthermore, the results of RT-PCR and western blot analyses revealed that GP regulated IR and glucose metabolism via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. In summary, these results indicate that GP intervention ameliorates T2DM by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Copper-catalyzed radical cascade cyclization for synthesis of CF3-containing tetracyclic benzimidazo[2,1-a]iso-quinolin-6(5H)-ones.

Here, a general copper-catalyzed radical cascade carbocyclization reaction with 2-arylbenzoimidazoles and a Togni reagent was realized. Structurally diverse CF3-containing tetracyclic core benzimidazo[2,1-a]isoquinoline-6(5H)-ones were obtained in moderate to good yields. The wide substrate scope, good functional group tolerance, and ease of scale-up of this method are expected to promote its potential applications in pharmacy and biotechnology.

Relationship Between Aqueous Humor Levels of Cytokines and Axial Length in Patients With Diabetic Retinopathy.

PURPOSE: A negative relationship between intraocular vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGFA) and axial length was found, which may help explain why myopia with long axial length was a protective factor for development of diabetic retinopathy (DR). The aim of this study is to further assess the relationship between the aqueous humor levels of interlukin (IL)-8, IL-10, VEGFA, vascular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), basic fibroblast growth factor, VEGFB, and placental growth factor (PLGF) and axial length in eyes with DR. DESIGN: Retrospective, single-center, unmasked study. METHODS: Patients with age-related cataract and with/without DR who visited the Department of Ophthalmology at the Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University were enrolled. The level of IL-8, IL-10, VEGFA, VCAM-1, and basic fibroblast growth factor were measured by cytometric bead array, and VEGFB and PLGF were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Axial length was measured by biometry. RESULTS: Totally 65 eyes of 65 patients were enrolled, including 14 patients with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy, 16 patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), and 35 patients with age-related cataract as control. In the nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy group, the aqueous level of PLGF was negatively correlated with axial length (r = -0.576, P = 0.031), whereas the aqueous levels of IL-10 (r = 0.533, P = 0.049) and VCAM-1 (r = 0.566, P = 0.035) were positively correlated with axial length. In the proliferative diabetic retinopathy group, all cytokines did not significantly correlate with axial length. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with diabetic retinopathy, we further found that aqueous levels of PLGF were negatively correlated with axial length, whereas VCAM-1 and IL-10 were positively correlated with axial length. These findings may suggest that these cytokines play a role in the development of DR, and further explain the relationship between the axial length and DR.

Chemical Profiling of Embelia ribes by Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Tandem Mass Spectrometry and Its Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Activities In Vitro.

Embelia ribes is a traditional Chinese medicine compound used as a remedy for various diseases. Nevertheless, detailed information regarding its chemical composition is unavailable. Herein, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry was used to characterize the components of E. ribes. A total of 56 compounds, including 16 phenolics, 16 flavonoids, 4 coumarins, 5 fatty acids and 15 other compounds were identified. Furthermore, the total phenolic and total flavonoid content was also assessed; the acetic ether extract of E. ribes was an ideal source of phenolics (308.16 ± 0.00 mg gallic acid equivalents/g of extract) and flavonoids (62.00 ± 0.01 mg rutin equivalents/g of extract). Additionally, acetic ether extract exhibited a high antioxidation effect (ferric reducing activity power: 0.15 ± 0.01 mg/mL; 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl: 0.18 ± 0.01 mg/mL; 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid: 0.06 ± 0.01 mg/mL). Further, the nitric oxide concentration in lipopolysaccharide-simulated macrophage RAW 264.7 cells and the pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) were suppressed by acetic ether extract. These findings support the notion that E. ribes is an ideal antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.

Strategy for rapid screening of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory active ingredients in Gynura procumbens (Lour.) Merr. based on UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and characteristic ion filtration.

Gynura procumbens (Lour.) Merr. is traditionally used as a raw material for making dumplings or steamed stuffed buns, and its fresh leaves are boiled with water for tea. Herein, we established an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) combined with characteristic ion filtration (CIF) strategy to rapidly screen active ingredients with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in G. procumbens. This strategy involved screening the active part of G. procumbens using antioxidation and anti-inflammatory activity assays; discovering the active compounds by speculating on the active site's chemical composition by UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS plus CIF; and verifying the active compounds' activities. The ethyl acetate extract (EEAF) of G. procumbens was the major active site. Eighty-one compounds were identified from the EEAF using UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS plus CIF. Furthermore, polyphenols such as cynarine, isochlorogenic acids A and isochlorogenic acids C have excellent antioxidizing and anti-inflammatory activities. This study provides a practical strategy for rapid in vitro screening of the antioxidizing and anti-inflammatory activities of traditional vegetables and herbs and identification of active ingredients.

Combined application of low kV,low mAs, and iterative model reconstruction (IMR) in carotid CT angiography / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective To evaluate the application value of combination of low kV,low mAs,and iterative model reconstruction (IMR) in carotid CT angiography.Methods Forty patients (BMI 20-25 kg/m2) were enrolled and randomly divided into routine dose group(20) and low dose group(20),The parameters in routine dose group were 120 kV,automatic mAs,and filter back projection(FBP);and that in low dose group were 80 kV,automatic mAs but upper limit 150 mAs,and FBP or IMR.All patients received the injection of 32 ml of iopamidol(370 mg I/100 ml) at a flow rate of 4 ml/s,followed by 50 ml normal saline at the same rate.The CT value and image noise(SD)of the aortic arch,left carotid artery bifurcation,and right carotid artery of rock bone were measured with region of interest(ROI) method,and then signal to noise ratios (SNR) and contrast to noise ratio (CNR)of image were calculated.The image quality was evaluated by two radiologists using a subjective four points scale on multiplanar reformated (MPR),maximum density projected (MIP) and volume rendered (VR) images.Volume CT dose index (CTDIvol),dose length product (DLP),and the effective dose (E) of each patient were recorded.Results CT values of carotid artery[(479.87 ± 70.28),(514.78 ± 82.69),(436.50 ± 89.87) HU] in low dose group were significantly higher than those in routine dose group [(295.63 ± 34.75),(325.09 ± 37.81),(286.93±36.46)HU](t =-6.47,-5.76,-3.66,P＜0.05).The SNR and CNR of IMR reconstructed image in low dose group were significantly higher than those of FBP reconstructed image in routine dose group (t =-7.54,-3.55,-5.31,-7.13,-5.28,-8.35,P＜0.05).The image quality of FBP reconstructed images in routine dose group and IMR reconstructed images in low dose group were all enough for diagnosis.The image quality of FBP reconstructed images in low dose group was significantly poorer than that in routine dose group and IMR reconstructed images in low dose group (Z =-2.87,-3.69,P ＜0.05).The effective dose in low dose group (0.57 ±0.13) mSv was 73％ less than that in routine dose group (2.22 ± 0.36) mSv.Conclusions Using low kV,low mAs,and IMR would help to obtain good carotid CT angiographic images and low radiation dose.

Epidemiology and Risk Factors of Functional Constipation in Pregnant Women.

AIM: To understand the prevalence of functional constipation in pregnant women and to analyze the impact of its risk factors. METHODS: We searched hospital databases for women who were 37-41 weeks pregnant (1698 cases) from July 2012 to January 2014 in four hospitals in Shanghai. We reviewed factors including general data, living and eating habits, psychological history, past history of defecation in the 6 months before pregnancy and defecation after pregnancy. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. RESULTS: Pregnant women who were more than 35 years old, with a pre-pregnancy body mass index >24, who were highly educated and employed in a sedentary occupation, showed a higher prevalence of functional constipation. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that the prevalence of functional constipation among pregnant women was related to age, pre-pregnancy body mass index, diet, exercise, occupation, psychological factors, threatened abortion in early pregnancy and constipation history. CONCLUSION: The prevalence rate of functional constipation in pregnant women was significantly higher than in the general population.