Adipocyte pyroptosis occurs in omental tumor microenvironment and is associated with chemoresistance of ovarian cancer.

BACKGROUND: Ovarian carcinoma (OC) is a fatal malignancy, with most patients experiencing recurrence and resistance to chemotherapy. In contrast to hematogenous metastasizing tumors, ovarian cancer cells disseminate within the peritoneal cavity, especially the omentum. Previously, we reported omental crown-like structure (CLS) number is associated with poor prognosis of advanced-stage OC. CLS that have pathologic features of a dead or dying adipocyte was surrounded by several macrophages is well known a histologic hallmark for inflammatory adipose tissue. In this study, we attempted to clarify the interaction between metastatic ovarian cancer cells and omental CLS, and to formulate a therapeutic strategy for advanced-stage ovarian cancer. METHODS: A three-cell (including OC cells, adipocytes and macrophages) coculture model was established to mimic the omental tumor microenvironment (TME) of ovarian cancer. Caspase-1 activity, ATP and free fatty acids (FFA) levels were detected by commercial kits. An adipocyte organoid model was established to assess macrophages migration and infiltration. In vitro and in vivo experiments were performed for functional assays and therapeutic effect evaluations. Clinical OC tissue samples were collected for immunochemistry stain and statistics analysis. RESULTS: In three-cell coculture model, OC cells-derived IL-6 and IL-8 could induce the occurrence of pyroptosis in omental adipocytes. The pyroptotic adipocytes release ATP to increase macrophage infiltration, release FFA into TME, uptake by OC cells to increase chemoresistance. From OC tumor samples study, we demonstrated patients with high gasdermin D (GSDMD) expression in omental adipocytes is highly correlated with chemoresistance and poor outcome in advanced-stage OC. In animal model, by pyroptosis inhibitor, DSF, effectively retarded tumor growth and prolonged mice survival. CONCLUSIONS: Omental adipocyte pyroptosis may contribute the chemoresistance in advanced stage OC. Omental adipocytes could release FFA and ATP through the GSDMD-mediate pyroptosis to induce chemoresistance and macrophages infiltration resulting the poor prognosis in advanced-stage OC. Inhibition of adipocyte pyroptosis may be a potential therapeutic modality in advanced-stage OC with omentum metastasis.

Genotype-Controlled Vertical Transmission Exerts Selective Pressure on Community Assembly of Salvia miltiorrhiza.

The plant's endophytic fungi play an important role in promoting host development and metabolism. Studies have shown that the factors affecting the assembly of the endophyte community mainly include host genotype, vertical transmission, and soil origin. However, we do not know the role of vertically transmitted endohytic fungi influences on the host-plant's endophytic community assembly. Salvia miltiorrhiza from three production areas were used as research objects; we constructed three production area genotypes of S. miltiorrhiza regenerated seedlings simultaneously. Based on high-throughput sequencing, we analyzed the effects of genotype, soil origin, and vertical transmission on endophytic fungal communities. The results show that the community of soil origins significantly affected the endophytic fungal community in the regenerated seedlings of S. miltiorrhiza. The influence of genotype on community composition occurs through a specific mechanism. Genotype may selectively screen certain communities into the seed, thereby exerting selection pressure on the community composition process of offspring. As the number of offspring increases gradually, the microbiota, controlled by genotype and transmitted vertically, stabilizes, ultimately resulting in a significant effect of genotype on community composition.Furthermore, we observed that the taxa influencing the active ingredients are also selected as the vertically transmitted community. Moreover, the absence of an initial vertically transmitted community in S. miltiorrhiza makes it more vulnerable to infection by pathogenic fungi. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate and comprehend the selection model of the vertically transmitted community under varying genotypes and soil conditions. This research holds significant implications for enhancing the quality and yield of medicinal plants and economic crops.

Downregulation of Salt-Inducible Kinase 3 Enhances CCL24 Activation in the Placental Environment with Preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia (PE) remains one of the leading causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. However, the exact pathophysiology of PE is still unclear. The recent widely accepted notion that successful pregnancy relies on maternal immunological adaptation is of utmost importance. Moreover, salt-inducible kinase 3 (SIK3) is an AMP-activated protein kinase-related kinase, and it has reported a novel regulator of energy and inflammation, and its expression related with some diseases. To explore whether SIK3 expression correlated with PE, we analyzed SIK3 gene expression and its association with PE through GEO datasets. We identified that SIK3 was significantly downregulated in PE across four datasets (p < 0.05), suggesting that SIK3 participated in the pathogenesis of PE. We initially demonstrated the significant downregulation of SIK3 in trophoblast cells of PE. SIK3 downregulation was positively correlated with the increased number of CD204(+) cells in in vivo and in vitro experiments. The increased number of CD204(+) cells could inhibit the migration and invasion of trophoblast cells. We then clarified the potential mechanism of PE with SIK3 downregulation: M2 skewing was triggered by trophoblast cells derived via the CCL24/CCR3 axis, leading to an increase in CD204(+) cells, a decrease in phagocytosis, and the production of IL-10 at the maternal-fetal interface of the placenta with PE. IL-10 further contributed to a reduction in the migration and invasion of trophoblast cells. It also established a feedback loop wherein trophoblast cells increased CCL24 production to maintain M2 dominance in the placental environments of PE.

Current Progress in Cancer Treatment Using Nanomaterials.

The pathological processes of cancer are complex. Current methods used for chemotherapy have various limitations, such as cytotoxicity, multi-drug resistance, stem-like cells growth, and lack of specificity. Several types of nanomaterials are used for cancer treatment. Nanomaterials 1-100 nm in size have special optical, magnetic, and electrical characteristics. Nanomaterials have been fabricated for cancer treatments to overcome cytotoxicity and low specificity, and improve drug capacity and bioavailability. Despite the increasing number of related studies, few nanodrugs have been approved for clinical use. To improve translation of these materials, studies of targeted drug delivery using nanocarriers are needed. Cytotoxicity, enhanced permeability and retention effects, and the protective role of the protein corona remain to be addressed. This mini-review summarizes new nanomaterials manufactured in studies and in clinical use, analyses current barriers preventing their translation to clinical use, and describes the effective application of nanomaterials in cancer treatment.

Perceptions towards charcoal-burning suicide and the surge of this lethal method in Taiwan.

OBJECTIVE: Whether sociocultural perceptions of charcoal-burning suicide have influenced its rapid increase in prevalence is unclear. We aimed to explore perceptions of Taiwan's general population regarding charcoal-burning suicide, their personal belief in life after death, and related feelings of thoughts associated with those who attempt charcoal-burning suicide. METHODS: An online web-based survey, focussing on sociocultural attitudes towards death, as well as perceptions towards charcoal-burning suicide, and those who attempt charcoal-burning suicide, was conducted from 14 January to 14 June 2016. RESULTS: In total, 1343 adults completed the online survey (mean age of 33.46; 66.6% women). Notably, 90.3% of participants considered charcoal burning to be an easily accessible suicide method. Multivariable analyses revealed that among the examined factors, the perceived 'painlessness' of charcoal-burning suicide was associated with an over seven-fold increased risk of choosing charcoal-burning suicide (OR = 7.394; p < 0.001; 95% CI: 2.614-20.912). CONCLUSION: As reflected in this study, charcoal-burning suicide is perceived as easily accessible and painless. The perceived 'painlessness' may be the factor that distinguishes the choice of charcoal-burning suicide from that of other suicide methods. Future efforts to target these perceptions regarding charcoal-burning suicide may be warranted in both media reporting and suicide prevention programmes.

Protective Effects of Anthocyanins Extracted from Vaccinium Uliginosum on 661W Cells Against Microwave-Induced Retinal Damage / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To study the protective effect of anthocyanins extracted from Vaccinium Uliginosum (VU) on retinal 661W cells against microwave radiation induced retinal injury.@*METHODS@#661W cells were divided into 6 groups, including control, model [661W cells radiated by microwave (30 mW/cm2, 1 h)] and VU groups [661W cells pretreated with anthocyanins extracted from VU (25, 50, 100 and 200 µg/mL, respectively) for 48 h, and radiated by microwave 30 mW/cm2, 1 h]. After treatment with different interventions, the cell apoptosis index (AI) was determined using Heochst staining; contents of malonaldehyde (MDA), glutataione (GSH), and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured. mRNA expressions of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase 1(HO-1) were detected by real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and the expression of HO-1 protein was examined by Western blot analysis. Nucleus and cytoplasm were separated and Nrf2 protein expression was further verified by Western blot analysis.@*RESULTS@#There was significant difference in AI among the groups (F=322.83, P<;0.05). Compared with the control group, AI was significantly higher in the model group and was lower in 4 VU-pretreated groups (P<;0.05). Linear regression analysis showed the decline of AI was in a dose-dependent manner with VU treatment (r=0.8419, P<;0.05). The MDA and GSH contents of 661W cells in VU-treated groups were significantly lower than the model group (P<;0.05). Compared with the model group, the SOD activity in the VU-treated groups (50, 100 and 200 µg/mL) was significantly higher (all P<;0.05). The Nrf2 and HO-1 mRNA expressions were slightly increased after irradiation, and obviously increased in 100 µg/mL VU-treated group. After irradiation, the relative expressions of HO-1 and Nrf2 proteins in nucleus were slightly increased (P<;0.05), and the changes in cytoplasm were not obvious, whereas it was significantly increased in both nucleus and cytoplasm in the VU treatment groups.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Anthocyanins extracted from VU could reduce apoptosis, stabilize cell membrane, and alleviate oxidant injury of mouse retinal photoreceptor 661W cells. The mechanism might be through activating Nrf2/HO-1 signal pathway and inducing HO-1 transcription and translation.

In vivo Imaging of Retina and Choroid in Guinea Pigs.

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility of in-vivo imaging of the retina and choroid using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) in guinea pigs. Methods: The study included 19 pigmented guinea pigs (age: 3-4 weeks) which underwent sonographic axial length measurements and OCT imaging. At study end, the animals were sacrificed and histomorphometric examinations of the retina and choroid were performed. We assessed the reproducibility of the OCT measurements and compared in-vivo measurements to histomorphometric data. Results: The mean thickness of the retina and choroid near the optic nerve head was 175.6 ± 25.8 and 63.4 ± 16.5 µm, respectively, and mean Bruch's membrane opening (BMO) diameter was 831 ± 121 µm. The intra-observer comparison of measurements of retinal thickness (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.86-0.96; P < 0.001), choroidal thickness (ICC = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.86-0.96; P < 0.001), and BMO diameter (ICC = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.86-0.96; P < 0.001) showed a high correlation. A high agreement was present also for the inter-observer reproducibility of the measurements of retinal thickness (Pearson correlation coefficient (R) = 0.98; P < 0.001), choroidal thickness (R = 0.96; P < 0.001), and BMO diameter (R = 0.98; P < 0.001). The Bland-Altman plots showed that 2.6% (1/38), 5.3% (2/38), and 7.9% (3/38) of the measurement points of retinal thickness, choroidal thickness and BMO diameter, respectively, were located outside of the 95% limits of agreement. The OCT-based thickness measurements of retina and choroid were significantly higher than those measured by histomorphometry (both P-values <0.01). Conclusion: OCT-based in-vivo morphometric imaging of the retina and choroid in guinea pigs is feasible with an acceptable intra-observer repeatability and inter-observer reproducibility.

Deep Learning-Based Estimation of Axial Length and Subfoveal Choroidal Thickness From Color Fundus Photographs.

This study aimed to develop an automated computer-based algorithm to estimate axial length and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) based on color fundus photographs. In the population-based Beijing Eye Study 2011, we took fundus photographs and measured SFCT by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and axial length by optical low-coherence reflectometry. Using 6394 color fundus images taken from 3468 participants, we trained and evaluated a deep-learning-based algorithm for estimation of axial length and SFCT. The algorithm had a mean absolute error (MAE) for estimating axial length and SFCT of 0.56 mm [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.53,0.61] and 49.20 µm (95% CI: 45.83,52.54), respectively. Estimated values and measured data showed coefficients of determination of r 2 = 0.59 (95% CI: 0.50,0.65) for axial length and r 2 = 0.62 (95% CI: 0.57,0.67) for SFCT. Bland-Altman plots revealed a mean difference in axial length and SFCT of -0.16 mm (95% CI: -1.60,1.27 mm) and of -4.40 µm (95% CI, -131.8,122.9 µm), respectively. For the estimation of axial length, heat map analysis showed that signals predominantly from overall of the macular region, the foveal region, and the extrafoveal region were used in the eyes with an axial length of < 22 mm, 22-26 mm, and > 26 mm, respectively. For the estimation of SFCT, the convolutional neural network (CNN) used mostly the central part of the macular region, the fovea or perifovea, independently of the SFCT. Our study shows that deep-learning-based algorithms may be helpful in estimating axial length and SFCT based on conventional color fundus images. They may be a further step in the semiautomatic assessment of the eye.

Endometriosis-related spontaneous hemoperitoneum in the early second trimester: A case report.

OBJECTIVE: To present a rare case of endometriosis-related spontaneous hemoperitoneum in pregnancy (SHiP) with atypical subacute symptoms, which is likely to be mistaken as an infectious disease initially. CASE REPORT: A 35-year-old primigravid woman presented with diffuse lower abdominal pain and signs of peritoneal irritation for five days at 18 weeks' gestation, and the initial diagnosis was acute peritonitis. An abrupt deterioration with maternal shock and stillbirth of fetus was found in spite of close observation in emergent department. Emergent laparotomy was performed for delay-appeared hemoperitoneum. Bleeding from decidualized endometriotic tissue over posterior uterine surface was found, and hemostasis was achieved with uterine preservation. The patient recovered smoothly. CONCLUSION: SHiP is a serious obstetric complication of endometriosis with diagnostic difficulty. Its initial presentation may mimic infectious disease, so close monitoring for possible abrupt deterioration is crucial. Early detection and timely management are the key to avoid adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Epidemiological investigation and follow-up study of indeterminate HIV antibody test results in Jiading, Shanghai / 上海预防医学

Objective To investigate the rate and the population distribution of subjects with indeterminate result of HIV antibody test and to understand the relationships between the western blot(WB)banding patterns and HIV infection through follow-up reexamination. Methods Samples with indeterminate results of HIV antibody test were collected by Jiading Center for Disease Control and Prevention from 2013 to 2017. They were used for analysis of the source, the distribution of Western blotting band pattern and the follow-up results. Results Among 698 samples required to be re-tested for confirmation of HIV infection, 151(21.63%)showed indeterminate WB test results. There were 18 types of WB band in 151 HIV antibody-indeterminate samples. The most common band types, accounting for 79.47%, were p24, gp160, and gp160p24. One hundred(among 151)subjects were followed up and the success follow-up rate was 50.00%. Among them, 28(56.00%)samples were still with indeterminate results of HIV antibody, 11(22.00% turned to be negative and 11(22.00%)turned to positive. The follow-up confirmatory tests showed that 67.86% of the samples with p24 band were still with indeterminate results and 40.00% of the samples with gp160 band became HIV antibody-negative. The samples with one of the three band patterns of gp160gp120p24, gp160p24p17 and gp160gp120p66p51 all became HIV antibody-positive. Conclusion The detection rate of indeterminate HIV antibody results varies in different populations. Positive conversion rates with different WB band patterns are different. Follow-up of the populations with specific WB band patterns should be strengthened to detect HIV infection cases as early as possible.

Tojapride Reverses Esophageal Epithelial Inflammatory Responses on Reflux Esophagitis Model Rats / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the mechanism of Tojapride, a Chinese herbal formula extract, on strengthening the barrier function of esophageal epithelium in rats with reflux esophagitis (RE).@*METHODS@#Ten out of 85 SD rats were randomly selected as the sham group (n10), and 75 rats were developed a reflux esophagitis model (RE) by the esophageal and duodenal side-to-side anastomosis. Fifty successful modeling rats were divided into different medicated groups through a random number table including the model, low-, medium-, and high-dose of Tojapride as well as omeprazole groups (n10). Three doses of Tojapride [5.73, 11.46, 22.92 g/(kg•d)] and omeprazole [4.17 mg/(kg•d)] were administrated intragastrically twice daily for 3 weeks. And the rats in the sham and model groups were administered 10 mL/kg distilled water. Gastric fluid was collected and the supernatant was kept to measure for volume, pH value and acidity. Esophageal tissues were isolated to monitor the morphological changes through hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and esophageal epithelial ultrastructure was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The expressions of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells p65 (NF-KBp65), κB kinase beta (IKKß), occludin, and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) in the esophageal tissues were measured by immunohistochemistry and Western blot, respectively.@*RESULTS@#The gastric pH value in the model group was significantly lower than the sham group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, gastric pH value in the omeprazole and medium-dose of Tojapride groups were significantly higher (P<0.05). A large area of ulceration was found on the esophageal mucosa from the model rats, while varying degrees of congestion and partially visible erosion was observed in the remaining groups. Remarkable increase in cell gap width and decrease in desmosome count was seen in RE rats and the effect was reversed by Tojapride treatment. Compared with the sham group, the IKKß levels were significantly higher in the model group (P<0.05). However, the IKKß levels were down-regulated after treatment by all doses of Tojapride (P<0.01 or P<0.05). The occluding and ZO-1 levels decreased in the model group compared with the sham group (Ps0.01 or Ps0.05), while both indices were significantly up-regulated in the Tojapride-treated groups (P<0.01 or P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Tojapride could improve the pathological conditions of esophageal epithelium in RE rats. The underlying mechanisms may involve in down-regulating the IKKß expression and elevating ZO-1 and occludin expression, thereby alleviating the inflammation of the esophagus and strengthening the barrier function of the esophageal epithelium.

Blockade of epidermal growth factor and its receptor and axial elongation in experimental myopia.

To examine the influence of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its receptor (EGFR) on axial ocular elongation, we intraocularly injected an EGF antibody and an EGFR antibody into young guinea pigs with lens-induced axial elongation (myopization). Mean axial elongation was reduced in the eyes injected with the EGF/EGFR-antibody compared with the contralateral control eyes injected with PBS (phosphate-buffered solution) (0.43 ± 0.13 mm vs 0.53 ± 0.13 mm; P < .001). The intereye difference in axial length increased (P = .005) as the doses of the EGF antibody and EGFR antibody increased. As a corollary, the thickness of the retina at the posterior pole was dose-dependently increased in the injected eyes compared to the contralateral control eyes. Immunohistochemical staining for EGF and the relative mRNA expression of EGF and EGFR were the highest in eyes not injected with the EGF antibody or EGFR antibody and decreased (P < .05) as the dose of EGF antibody or EGFR antibody increased. In an in vitro study, EGF had a stimulating effect and the EGF antibody had an inhibitory effect on the proliferation and migration of RPE cells. The findings showed that the intravitreal application of an EGF antibody and EGFR antibody is associated with a dose-dependent reduction in lens-induced axial elongation in young guinea pigs. The EGFR family may play a role in axial elongation of the eye and in the development of myopia.

Lens-induced myopization and intraocular pressure in young guinea pigs.

BACKGROUND: Intraocular pressure (IOP) is an important physiological measure of the eye and is associated with some ocular disorders. We aimed to assess the influence of topical beta blocker-induced IOP reduction on lens-induced axial elongation in young guinea pigs. METHODS: The experimental study included 20 pigmented guinea pigs (age: 2-3 weeks). Myopia was induced in the right eyes for 5 weeks with - 10 diopter lenses. The right eyes additionally received either one drop of carteolol 2% (study group, n = 10) or one drop of artificial tears daily (control group, n = 10), while the contralateral eyes of all animals remained untouched. The outcome parameter was axial elongation during the follow-up period. The mean of all IOP measurements taken during the study was referred to as mean IOP. RESULTS: Greater axial elongation was associated with a shorter axial length at baseline (P < 0.001; standardized regression coefficient beta: - 0.54) and lens-induced myopization (P < 0.001; beta: 0.55). In the multivariable model, axial elongation was not significantly correlated with the IOP at study end (P = 0.59), the mean IOP during the study period (P = 0.12), the mean of all IOP measurements (P = 0.17), the difference between the IOP at study end and baseline IOP (P = 0.38), the difference between the mean IOP during the study period and the baseline IOP (P = 0.11), or the application of carteolol eye drops versus artificial tears eye drops (P = 0.07). The univariate analysis of the relationships between axial elongation and the IOP parameters yielded similar results. The inter-eye difference between the right eye and the left eye in axial elongation was significantly associated with the inter-eye difference in baseline axial length (P = 0.001; beta:-0.67) but not significantly correlated with the inter-eye difference in any of the IOP-related parameters (all P > 0.25). CONCLUSIONS: In young guinea pigs with or without lens-induced axial elongation, neither the physiological IOP nor the IOP reduced by carteolol, a topical beta-blocker, was associated with the magnitude of axial elongation. These results suggest that IOP, regardless of whether it is influenced by carteolol, does not play a major role in axial elongation in young guinea pigs.

Heat Shock Protein 22 Attenuates Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity via Regulating Inflammation and Apoptosis.

BACKGROUND: The antitumor effect of doxorubicin (DOX) is limited by its acute and chronic toxicity to the heart, which causes heart injury. Heat shock protein 22 (Hsp22) is a protein proved to exert anti-apoptosis and anti-inflammatory effects in other diseases and physical conditions. In this study, we aim to explore whether Hsp22 could exert a protective role during cardiac injury in response to DOX. METHODS: The overexpression of Hsp22 was mediated via adenovirus vector to clarify the role of Hsp22 in the cardiac injury caused by DOX. DOX-induced acute heart injury mouse model was established by single intraperitoneal injection of DOX (15 mg/kg). Subsequently, cardiac staining and molecular biological analysis were performed to analyze the morphological and biochemical effects of Hsp22 on cardiac injury. H9c2 cells were used for validation in vitro. RESULTS: An increase in the expression level of Hsp22 was observed in DOX-treated heart tissue. Furthermore, cardiac-specific overexpression of Hsp22 showed reduced cardiac dysfunction, decrease in inflammatory response, and reduction in cell apoptosis in injury heart and cardiomyocytes induced by DOX in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, the suppression of Toll-like receptor (TLR)4/NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) was associated with the protective effect of Hsp22. Finally, the protective effect of Hsp22 cardiac function was almost abolished by overexpression of NLRP3 in DOX-treated mice. CONCLUSION: In summary, Hsp22 overexpression in the heart could suppress cardiac injury in response to DOX treatment through blocking TLR4/NLRP3 activation. Hsp22 may become a new therapeutic method for treating cardiac injury induced by DOX in cancer patients.

[Lower Extremity Exercise Improves Functional Fitness, Physiological Indexes, Exercise Self-Efficacy, Sleep Quality, and Mental Health in Middle-Aged and Older Individuals].

BACKGROUND: Middle-aged and older individuals suffer from skeletal muscle loss due to aging, increasing the risk of sarcopenia. Muscular dystrophy reduces lower-extremity muscle endurance. The annual incidence of falls in the community is about 30-40%. Falls contribute to disability and fractures, affect quality of life, reduce mental health, and, in severe cases, result in death. Therefore, preventing lower limb muscle weakness in middle-aged and older individuals should be taken seriously. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to promote community health with a focus on older, community-dwelling individuals. The effects of a lower-extremity exercise intervention on middle-aged and older individuals in terms of improving functional fitness, physiological indexes, exercise self-efficacy, sleep quality, and mental health were explored. METHODS: This study used convenience sampling to recruit community residents over 55 years old as participants, with 50 participants assigned to the control group and to the experimental group, respectively. The experimental group participated in a 50-min lower extremity exercise intervention three times a week for 12 weeks. Differences in functional fitness, basic physiological index, exercise self-efficacy, sleep quality, and mental health variables between the two groups were assessed at the conclusion of the intervention. RESULTS: The lower-extremity muscle exercise program significantly improved functional fitness, physiological indexes, exercise self-efficacy, sleep quality, and overall mental health status in the experimental group, as compared to the control group (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS / IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: It is recommended that the concept and application of lower extremity movement intervention should be popularized among middle-aged and older individuals to promote physical and mental health, prevent the decline and loss of lower extremity muscle strength, and help realize healthy aging goals.

Interleukin-38 alleviates cardiac remodelling after myocardial infarction.

Excessive immune-mediated inflammatory reaction plays a deleterious role in ventricular remodelling after myocardial infarction (MI). Interleukin (IL)-38 is a newly characterized cytokine of the IL-1 family and has been reported to exert a protective effect in some autoimmune diseases. However, its role in cardiac remodelling post-MI remains unknown. In this study, we found that the expression of IL-38 was increased in infarcted heart after MI induced in C57BL/6 mice by permanent ligation of the left anterior descending artery. In addition, our data showed that ventricular remodelling after MI was significantly ameliorated after recombinant IL-38 injection in mice. This amelioration was demonstrated by better cardiac function, restricted inflammatory response, attenuated myocardial injury and decreased myocardial fibrosis. Our results in vitro revealed that IL-38 affects the phenotype of dendritic cells (DCs) and IL-38 plus troponin I (TNI)-treated tolerogenic DCs dampened adaptive immune response when co-cultured with CD4+ T cells. In conclusion, IL-38 plays a protective effect in ventricular remodelling post-MI, one possibility by influencing DCs to attenuate inflammatory response. Therefore, targeting IL-38 may hold a new therapeutic potential in treating MI.

Effect of Salvianolate Lyophilized Injection and Xueshuantong Injection (Lyophilized) on Permeability of Blood-brain Barrier via Inhibition of MMPs in Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury Rats / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of salvianolate lyophilized injection and Xueshuantong injection (lyophilized) on the permeability of blood-brain barrier (BBB) via inhibition of metallomatrix protease（MMPs） in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury rats. Method:The focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion model in rats was built by middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) technique. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into sham operation group, ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) group, edaravone (Eda, 6 mg·kg-1) group, salvianolate lyophilized injection (SLI, 21 mg·kg-1) group, Xueshuantong (XST, 100 mg·kg-1) group and SLI combined with XST (SLI+XST, 21 mg·kg-1+100 mg·kg-1) group. Drugs were injected via tail vein for 2 d, while sham group and I/R group were injected with the same amount of normal saline. Neurological deficit score, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were assessed 2 d after MCAO/R. The permeability of BBB was observed by the leakage of IgG/CD31. The expressions of Claudin-5，Occludin，collagen-Ⅳ（Col- Ⅳ），Laminin，Fibronectin were observed by immunofluorescence staining，and MMP-2 and MMP-9 were observed by Western blot. Result:Compared with the I/R group, SLI group, XST group and SLI+XST group showed improvements in neurological deficit score, HE staining and Nissl staining. The leakage of IgG was alleviated; The positive expressions of Claudin-5，Occludin，Col-Ⅳ，Laminin，Fibronectin in ischemic penumbra were significantly up-regulated, while the expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were down-regulated. The effect in improving SLI combined with XST was much better than a single factor. Conclusion:Salvianolate lyophilized injection and Xueshuantong injection (lyophilized) can alleviate cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury and exert the synergistic effect when they are used in combination. The mechanisms might be associated with the improvement in the permeability of blood-brain barrier by inhibiting MMPs in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury rats.

Chang'an II Decoction ( II )-Containing Serum Ameliorates Tumor Necrosis Factor-α-Induced Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Dysfunction via MLCK-MLC Signaling Pathway in Rats / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of Chang'an II Decoction ( II ))-containing serum on intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction in rats.@*METHODS@#Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced injury of Caco-2 monolayers were established as an inflammatory model of human intestinal epithelium. Caco-2 monolayers were treated with blank serum and Chang'an II Decoction-containing serum that obtained from the rats which were treated with distilled water and Chang'an II Decoction intragastrically at doses of 0.49, 0.98, 1.96 g/(kg·d) for 1 week, respectively. After preparation of containing serum, cells were divided into the normal group, the model group, the Chang'an II-H, M, and L groups (treated with 30 ng/mL TNF-α and medium plus 10% high, middle-, and low-doses Chang'an II serum, respectively). Epithelial barrier function was assessed by transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) and permeability of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled dextran. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of tight junctions (TJs). Immunofluorescence of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), claudin-1 and nuclear transcription factor-kappa p65 (NF-κ Bp65) were measured to determine the protein distribution. The mRNA expression of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The expression levels of MLCK, myosin light chain (MLC) and p-MLC were determined by Western blot.@*RESULTS@#Chang'an II Decoction-containing serum significantly attenuated the TER and paracellular permeability induced by TNF-α. It alleviated TNF-α-induced morphological alterations in TJ proteins. The increases in MLCK mRNA and MLCK, MLC and p-MLC protein expressions induced by TNF-α were significantly inhibited in the Chang'an II-H group. Additionally, Chang'an II Decoction significantly attenuated translocation of NF-κ Bp65 into the nucleus.@*CONCLUSION@#High-dose Chang'an II-containing serum attenuates TNF-α-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction. The underlying mechanism may be involved in inhibiting the MLCK-MLC phosphorylation signaling pathway mediated by NF-κ Bp65.