Thymoquinone: An Effective Natural Compound for Kidney Protection.

Kidney disease is a common health problem worldwide. Acute or chronic injuries may interfere with kidney functions, eventually resulting in irreversible kidney damage. A number of recent studies have shown that the plant-derived natural products have an extensive potential for renal protection. Thymoquinone (TQ) is an essential compound derived from Nigella Sativa (NS), which is widely applied in the Middle East as a folk medicine. Previous experiments have demonstrated that TQ has a variety of potential pharmacological effects, including anti-oxidant, antibacterial, antitumor, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective activities. In particular, the prominent renal protective efficacy of TQ has been demonstrated in both in vivo and in vitro experiments. TQ can prevent acute kidney injuries from various xenobiotics through anti-oxidation, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptosis effects. In addition, TQ exhibited significant pharmacological effects on renal cell carcinoma, renal fibrosis, and urinary calculi. The essential mechanisms involve scavenging ROS and increasing anti-oxidant activity, decreasing inflammatory mediators, inducing apoptosis, and inhibiting migration and invasion. The purpose of this review is to conclude the pharmacological effects and the potential mechanisms of TQ in renal protection, shedding new light on the exploration of medicinal phyto-protective agents targeting kidneys.

Quercetin@UiO-66 NPs and chloroquine in combined tumor therapy by dual autophagy-ubiquitination system blockade.

In this study, we propose a novel therapy system composed of UiO-66 nanoparticles, which contain quercetin combined with chloroquine (UQCNP), to achieve dual autophagy-ubiquitination blockade. Through UiO-66 NP drug loading, the solubility of quercetin (a proteasome inhibitor) was improved under physiological conditions, thereby increasing its effective concentration at the tumor site. The cell experiment results showed that UQCNP significantly increased the apoptosis rate of 4T1 cells by 73.6%, which was significantly higher than other groups. Transmission electron microscopy results showed that the autophagosome of cells in the UQCNP treatment group was significantly lower than that in other treatment groups. Moreover, western blot results showed that, compared with other groups, LC3 expression and proteasome activity (p < 0.01), as well as the tumor volume of mice treated with UQCNP (p < 0.01) were significantly reduced. These results indicate that UQCNP achieves effective tumor therapy by blocking the autophagy and proteasome pathways synchronously.

Regulatory mechanism of macrophage polarization based on Hippo pathway.

Macrophages are found to infiltrate and migrate in a large number of Tumor-associated macrophages (TMEs) and other macrophages in the microenvironment of tumors and related diseases, and undergo phenotypic changes in response to a variety of cytokines, mainly including the primary phenotype M2 and the anti-tumor phenotype M1. The Hippo signaling pathway affects the development of cancer and other diseases through various biological processes, such as inhibition of cell growth. In this review, we focus on immune cells within the microenvironment of tumors and other diseases, and the role of the Hippo pathway in tumors on macrophage polarization in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and other diseases.

A human embryonic limb cell atlas resolved in space and time.

Human limbs emerge during the fourth post-conception week as mesenchymal buds, which develop into fully formed limbs over the subsequent months1. This process is orchestrated by numerous temporally and spatially restricted gene expression programmes, making congenital alterations in phenotype common2. Decades of work with model organisms have defined the fundamental mechanisms underlying vertebrate limb development, but an in-depth characterization of this process in humans has yet to be performed. Here we detail human embryonic limb development across space and time using single-cell and spatial transcriptomics. We demonstrate extensive diversification of cells from a few multipotent progenitors to myriad differentiated cell states, including several novel cell populations. We uncover two waves of human muscle development, each characterized by different cell states regulated by separate gene expression programmes, and identify musculin (MSC) as a key transcriptional repressor maintaining muscle stem cell identity. Through assembly of multiple anatomically continuous spatial transcriptomic samples using VisiumStitcher, we map cells across a sagittal section of a whole fetal hindlimb. We reveal a clear anatomical segregation between genes linked to brachydactyly and polysyndactyly, and uncover transcriptionally and spatially distinct populations of the mesenchyme in the autopod. Finally, we perform single-cell RNA sequencing on mouse embryonic limbs to facilitate cross-species developmental comparison, finding substantial homology between the two species.

High-Temperature Flow Behavior and Energy Consumption of Supercritical CO2 Sealing Film Influenced by Different Surface Grooves.

The Brayton cycle system, as a closed cycle working under high-temperature, high-pressure and high-speed conditions, presents significant prospects in many fields. However, the flow behavior and energy efficiency of supercritical CO2 is severely influenced by the structures of face seals and the sealing temperature, especially when the sealing gas experiment is the supercritical transformation process. Therefore, a numerical model was established to investigate the high-temperature flow behavior and energy consumption of face seals with different surface grooves. The effects of the operation parameters and groove structure on the temperature distribution and sealing performance are further studied. The obtained results show that the supercritical effect of the gas film has a more obvious influence on the flow velocity uθ than ur. Moreover, it can be found that the temperature distribution, heat dissipation and leakage rate of the gas face seals present a dramatic change when the working condition exceeds the supercritical point. For the spiral groove, the change rate of heat dissipation becomes larger, from 3.6% to 8.1%, with the increase in sealing pressure from 15 to 50 MPa, when the temperature grows from 300 to 320 K. Meanwhile, the open force maintains a stable state with the increasing temperature and pressure even at the supercritical point. The proposed model could provide a theoretical basis for seal design with different grooves on the supercritical change range in the future.

A novel prognostic model based on immunogenic cell death-related genes for improved risk stratification in hepatocellular carcinoma patients.

PURPOSE: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent primary malignant tumor with increasing incidence and mortality rates in recent years. The treatment options for advanced HCC are very limited. Immunogenic cell death (ICD) plays an important role in cancer, in particular immunotherapy. However, the specific ICD genes and their prognostic values in HCC remain to be investigated. METHODS: The TCGA-LIHC datasets were obtained from TCGA database, LIRI-JP datasets were obtained from ICGC database, and immunogenic cell death (ICD) genes datasets were obtained from previous literature. WGCNA analysis identifies ICD-related genes. Functional analysis was used to investigate the biological characteristics of ICD-related genes. Univariate Cox analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analysis was used to select prognostic ICD-related genes and construct a prognostic risk score. Prognostic independence of ICD risk scores was determined by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. A nomogram was then constructed and the diagnostic value was assessed using decision curve analysis. Immune infiltration analysis and drug sensitivity analysis were used to investigate immune cell enrichment and drug response in HCC patients classified as low or high risk based on their risk score. RESULTS: Most of the ICD genes were differentially expressed in normal and HCC patients, and some ICD genes were differentially expressed in different clinical groups. A total of 185 ICD-related genes were identified by WGCNA. Prognostic ICD-related genes were selected using a univariate Cox analysis. A model comprising nine prognosis ICD-related gene biomarkers was developed. Patients was divided into high-risk and low-risk groups, and patients in high-risk groups had poorer outcomes. Meanwhile, the reliability of the model was verified by external independent data. The Independent prognostic value of the risk score in HCC was investigated by univariate and multivariate Cox analyses. Diagnostic nomogram was constructed to predict prognosis. Through immune infiltration analysis, we found that some innate and adaptive immune cells were significantly different between low- and high-risk groups. CONCLUSION: We developed and validated a novel prognostic predictive classification system for HCC based on nine ICD-related genes. In addition, immune-related predictions and model could help predict the outcomes of HCC and could provide a reference for clinical practice.

BTG2 acts as an inducer of muscle stem cell senescence.

BACKGROUND: Muscle aging is associated with muscle stem cell (MuSC) senescence, a process of whose DNA damage accumulation is considered as one of the leading causes. BTG2 had been identified as a mediator of genotoxic and cellular stress signaling pathways, however, its role in senescence of stem cells, including MuSC, remains unknown. METHOD: We first compared MuSCs isolated from young and old mice to evaluate our in vitro model of natural senescence. CCK8 and EdU assays were utilized to assess the proliferation capacity of the MuSCs. Cellular senescence was further assessed at biochemical levels by SA-ß-Gal and γHA2.X staining, and at molecular levels by quantifying the expression of senescence-associated genes. Next, by performing genetic analysis, we identified Btg2 as a potential regulator of MuSC senescence, which was experimentally validated by Btg2 overexpression and knockdown in primary MuSCs. Lastly, we extended our research to humans by analyzing the potential links between BTG2 and muscle function decline in aging. RESULTS: BTG2 is highly expressed in MuSCs from elder mice showing senescent phenotypes. Overexpression and knockdown of Btg2 stimulates and prevents MuSCs senescence, respectively. In humans, high level of BTG2 is associated with low muscle mass in aging, and is a risk factor of aging-related diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy and HDL cholesterol. CONCLUSION: Our work demonstrates BTG2 as a regulator of MuSC senescence and may serve as an intervention target for muscle aging.

Reversing stage III oral adenocarcinoma in a dog treated with anti-canine PD-1 therapeutic antibody: a case report.

Monoclonal antibody targeting programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) is one of the most promising treatment therapies for human cancers. Canine PD-1 antibodies used in clinical trials have also shown efficacy in treating canine cancers. An 11-year-old male intact border collie presented to us for evaluation of left cervical mass. Computed tomography (CT) examination revealed an irregular pharyngeal mass invading the surrounding soft tissue. Histological and immunohistochemical results were consistent with a diagnosis of adenocarcinoma, most likely originating from the minor salivary gland. An anti-canine PD-1 monoclonal antibody was administered. Two months after the initial treatment, the tumor reached partial remission and maintained as such for 6 months. Finally, the patient was euthanized due to reasons unrelated to cancer, with a survival time of 316 days. To our knowledge, this is the first report of response to PD-1 blockade treatment in canine adenocarcinoma.

A high-throughput KASP assay provides insights into the evolution of multiple resistant mutations in populations of the two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae across China.

BACKGROUND: The two-spotted spider mite (TSSM), Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae), is a cosmopolitan phytophagous pest in agriculture and horticulture. It has developed resistance to many acaricides by target-site mutations. Understanding the status and evolution of resistant mutations in the field is essential for resistance management. Here, we applied a high-throughput Kompetitive allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (KASP) method for detecting six mutations conferring resistance to four acaricides of the TSSM. We genotyped 3274 female adults of TSSM from 43 populations collected across China in 2017, 2020, and 2021. RESULTS: The KASP genotyping of 24 testing individuals showed 99% agreement with Sanger sequencing results. KASP assays showed that most populations had a high frequency of mutations conferring avermectin (G314D and G326E) and pyridaben (H92R) resistance. The frequency of mutation conferring bifenazate (A269V and G126S) and etoxazole (I1017F) resistance was relatively low. Multiple mutations were common in the TSSM, with 70.2% and 24.6% of individuals having 2-6 and 7-10 of 10 possible resistant alleles, respectively. No loci were linked in most populations among the six mutations, indicating the development of multiple resistance is mainly by independent selection. However, G314D and I1017F on the nuclear genome deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in most populations, indicating significant selective pressure on TSSM populations by acaricides or fitness cost of the mutations in the absence of acaricide selection. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed that the high frequency of TSSMs evolved multiple resistant mutations in population and individual levels by independent selection across China, alarming for managing multiple-acaricides resistance. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

ZnO@Polyvinyl Alcohol/Poly(lactic acid) Nanocomposite Films for the Extended Shelf Life of Pork by Efficient Antibacterial Adhesion.

The proliferation of microorganisms is an important reason for meat spoilage and deterioration. Freezing and packaging by polymer films and preservatives are commonly used to preserve meat. While the energy consumption of freezing is very big, the polymer films made by petroleum bring up heavy environmental pressure. In the present study, biodegradable antibacterial ZnO@PLA (ZP) and ZnO@PVA/PLA (ZPP) nanocomposite films used as food packaging have been synthesized by the solvent evaporation method and coating method, respectively. Compared with films without ZnO NPs, ZP and ZPP both had long-term bacteriostasis for 24 and 120 h at temperatures of 25 and 4 °C, respectively. Moreover, the antibacterial effect showed positive relevance with the increase of the ZnO NP concentration. In addition, the antibacterial effect of ZPP was better than that of ZP in the same condition. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the numbers of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) on ZP and ZPP were significantly reduced compared to that in the blank film, and ZPP caused the morphology of MRSA to change, which means that the antibacterial mechanism of ZP and ZPP composite films might be related to antibacterial adhesion. In conclusion, ZPP films have great potential to be regarded as the candidate of food packing to extend the shelf life of pork.

Prevalence, Risk Factors, Pathophysiology, Potential Biomarkers and Management of Feline Idiopathic Cystitis: An Update Review.

Feline idiopathic cystitis is a widespread disease in small animal clinics, which mainly presents with urinary signs like dysuria, stranguria, hematuria, pollakiuria, and periuria. The etiopathogenesis of the disease may involve interactions between the environmental stressors, neuroendocrine system and bladder of affected cats. Diagnostic biomarkers have not been tested in clinical studies though they are theoretically feasible, and since the clinical signs of the disease assemble those of other feline lower urinary diseases, its diagnosis is a procedure of exclusion. The primary treatment of the disease is long-term multimodal environmental modification (or enrichment) while anti-anxiety drugs and nutritional supplements are recommended for chronic recurrent cases. Still, many medicines need to be evaluated for their efficacy and safety. This review aims to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of feline idiopathic cystitis by summarizing and updating studies concerning the prevalence, risk factors, etiological hypotheses, diagnostic procedures, possible treatments, and prognosis of the disease.

A cohort study of the efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors plus anlotinib versus immune checkpoint inhibitors alone as the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer in the real world.

Background: Anlotinib is a new multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) and has been shown to have antitumor effects and synergistic antitumor effects with immunotherapy only in animal studies and in the 2nd-line treatment in small clinical trials. A real-world study with large sample to compare the efficacy and safety of anlotinib plus immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) with ICIs alone in the multiline treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was urgently needed. Methods: The data of 535 advanced NSCLC patients were collected from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2021. The patients were divided into 2 groups: (I) ICI monotherapy (230 patients); (II) ICI + anlotinib (305 patients). After propensity-score matching (PSM) to reduce the effects of biases and confounding variables, the progression-free survival time (PFS), occurrence of adverse events, disease control rate (DCR), and objective response rate (ORR) of the 2 groups were compared. The effects of clinical factors, including age, gender, gene mutations, tumor proportion score, metastases, and combined radiotherapy, were also analyzed. Results: After PSM, the baseline clinical characteristics were well balanced and the 2 group had a good comparability. Patients in the ICI + anlotinib group had significantly longer median PFS in both the 2nd-line treatment (7.73 vs. 4.70 months; P=0.003) and 3rd-line treatment (5.90 vs. 3.37 months; P=0.020), but the difference lacked statistical significance in the 1st-line treatment (8.40 vs. 5.20 months; P=0.229). The overall median PFS of patients in the ICI + anlotinib group was also much longer than that of patients in the ICI monotherapy group (6.37 vs. 3.90 months; P<0.001). The ICI + anlotinib group also tended to have a higher DCR, a higher ORR, and a higher probability of severe adverse drug reactions during the treatment than the ICI monotherapy group, but the differences were not statistically significant. Combining ICI + anlotinib could improve the outcomes of patients with bone metastasis. Conclusions: Anlotinib + ICI therapy could have greater efficacy in the treatment of advanced NSCLC patients than ICI monotherapy. The probability of adverse events might increase in the combined treatment, but could be controlled.

MST1/2 in PDGFRα+ cells negatively regulates TGF-ß-induced myofibroblast accumulation in renal fibrosis.

Injury-induced fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation is a key event of renal fibrosis. Yes-associated protein (YAP), a transcriptional coactivator, plays an important role in fibroblast activation and Smad transcriptional activity to promote transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß)-induced differentiation from fibroblasts to myofibrolasts. Macrophage stimulating 1/2 (MST1/2), a negative regulator of YAP, also increases in fibroblasts by TGF-ß stimulation. Here, we examined whether MST1/2, as a negative regulator, attenuated YAP and TGF-ß/Smad signaling in fibroblasts to reduce fibrosis. MST1/2 and YAP expression levels increased in platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α (PDGFRα)+ cells of obstructed kidneys following the increase of TGF-ß and renal fibrosis after unilateral ureteral obstruction. PDGFRα+ cell-specific knockout of Mst1/2 in mice increased unilateral ureteral obstruction-induced myofibroblast accumulation and fibrosis. In cultured fibroblasts, TGF-ß increased YAP and promoted its nucleus entry, but a high dose and prolonged treatment of TGF-ß increased the MST1/2 activation to prevent YAP from entering the nucleus. Our results indicate that MST1/2 is a negative feedback signal of TGF-ß-induced fibroblast differentiation.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Using a mouse model with macrophage stimulating 1/2 (Mst1/2) double knockout in PDGFRα+ cells and an MST1/2 inhibitor, we demonstrated that MST1/2 acted as a negative feedback signal of transforming growth factor-ß-induced fibroblast differentiation. Furthermore, we demonstrated that Hippo-MST as a negative feedback signal can decrease the renal fibrosis process. This finding contributes to our understanding of the mechanism of coregulated renal remodeling after injury.

Developmental disorders caused by cefixime in the otic vesicles of zebrafish embryos or larvae.

To explore the developmental toxicity of cefixime (CE) in the developmental disorder and toxicity mechanism of CE on otic vesicles, zebrafish embryos were used as an animal model. The results showed that CE increased mortality in a dose-dependent manner and decreased the hatching rate of zebrafish larva at 96 hpf. Interestingly, CE significantly reduced the area of the saccule and utricle, as well as the area of otic vesicles in zebrafish larvae (p < 0.001). Fibroblast growth factor 8a (Fgf8a) inhibitors and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) inhibitors caused similar morphological changes. CE decreased the lateral hair cells of zebrafish larvae in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, CE caused the downregulation of cartilage and bone-related genes and Na+/K+-ATPase-related genes of zebrafish larvae at 72 hpf and 120 hpf according to RT-qPCR. A comparison with the control group revealed that 100 µg/mL CE also caused a decrease in Na+/K+-ATPase activity (p < 0.01). In addition, antibody staining verified that CE inhibited the expression of Na+/K+-ATPase in the otic vesicles and the nephridium of zebrafish larvae. The data obtained in this study suggested that CE has significant ototoxicity during embryonic development of zebrafish, which is closely related to Na+/K+-ATPase and the regulation of the Fgf8a/BMP signaling pathways. The effects and toxicity of CE on ear development in other animal models need to be further explored.

The clinical value of PlGF and the sFlt1/PlGF ratio in the management of hypertensive pregnancy disorders: A retrospective real-world study in China.

INTRODUCTION: The soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt1)/placental growth factor (PlGF) ratio is a useful parameter for the diagnosis of preeclampsia. However, a comprehensive comparison of the ratio in preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy was still missing and the dynamic levels of PlGF in the process of these diseases needed more clinical evidence. METHODS: This retrospective study included participants tested for serum sFlt1 and PlGF levels at a national hospital in China throughout 2020. Diagnostic performance of the sFlt1/PlGF ratio and blood pressure was assessed by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The correlation of the sFlt1/PlGF ratio with pregnancy outcomes was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier curves. Besides, the circulating levels of PlGF were monitored in the time course of different hypertensive disorders' progress. RESULTS: The sFlt1/PlGF ratios were significantly elevated in the women with preeclampsia. The results of ROC analysis showed that, compared with blood pressure, the ratio is reliable for preeclampsia diagnosis from healthy control and shows better performance in distinguishing preeclampsia from other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. A higher ratio than 85 could be used as an indicator of developing severe preeclampsia with adverse outcomes such as preterm delivery. Besides, our results suggested that using PlGF to predict preeclampsia should after 20 weeks of pregnancy. CONCLUSION: The PlGF and sFlt1/PlGF ratio are worth implementing in clinical management of women with preeclampsia rather than other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Deep muscularis propria tumor invasion without lymph node metastasis as a unique subclassification of stage IB gastric cancer: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The prognosis difference based on the depth of tumor muscularis propria invasion in gastric cancer (GC) was still debated, and therapy strategy for stage IB GC patient required further investigation. METHODS: A total of 380 patients with pT2 GC after radical surgery were retrospectively analyzed, including 185 in superficial muscularis propria (sMP) group and 195 in deep muscularis propria (dMP) group. RESULTS: The overall survival (OS) was significantly better for patients in sMP group than for patients in dMP group (P = 0.007). In multivariate analysis, depth of tumor invasion, pN stage, age, primary location, positive expression of p53, elevated maximal LDH, elevated initial CA19-9 and AFP level were independent prognostic factors for OS. The sMP group had a significantly better OS than dMP group (P = 0.014) in pN0 stage. After further stratification, the survival outcomes were not significantly different between deep muscularis propria tumor invasion without lymph node metastasis (dMPN0) group (stage IB) and superficial muscularis propria tumor invasion with stage 1-2 lymph node metastasis (sMPN1-2) group (stage II) (P = 0.100). Patients with adjuvant chemotherapy had a statistically better survival than those without in dMPN0 group (P = 0.045) and dMPN0 patients with adjuvant chemotherapy had better OS than sMPN1-2 patients (P = 0.015). In addition, greater postoperative survival could be observed in sMPN0 patients than dMPN0 patients in p53-positive group (P = 0.002), and similar OS could be seen between dMPN0 patients with p53-positive and T2N1-2 patients (P = 0.872). CONCLUSION: As a unique subclassification of stage IB GC, appropriate adjuvant chemotherapy should be considered for patients with dMPN0 stage. In addition, positive expression of p53, elevated LDH could be potential factors in identifying the different prognoses for stage IB GC patients.

Insecticide Resistance Monitoring of the Diamondback Moth (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) Populations in China.

The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella L., is a worldwide crop pest that is difficult to control because of its ability to develop resistance to many insecticides. To provide a reference for resistance management of P. xylostella in China, the present study used a leaf-dip bioassay to monitor the resistance of P. xylostella to nine insecticides in eight regions of China. The results showed that P. xylostella had developed a high level of resistance to beta-cypermethrin (resistance ratio [RR] > 112), and moderate (RR < 40) to high levels of resistance to indoxacarb, abamectin, and chlorfluazuron. For chlorantraniliprole, RRs > 100 were found in Midu (Yunnan Province) and Jinghai (Tianjin). In most regions, the resistance to spinetoram and chlorfenapyr and Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) was low. No resistance was detected to diafenthiuron. Overall, P. xylostella resistance to insecticides was higher in Midu than in other regions. The data in this study should help guide the selection of insecticides for management of P. xylostella in China.

Systemic transcriptome comparison between early- And late-onset pre-eclampsia shows distinct pathology and novel biomarkers.

OBJECTIVES: Pre-eclampsia is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality during pregnancy. Although the two forms of this disorder, early- (EOPE) and late-onset of pre-eclampsia (LOPE) are different, the underlying pathology remains elusive. We aim to unravel the difference and to identify novel biomarkers for EOPE and LOPE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A complete comparison of both placental and peripheral blood transcriptomes was performed to investigate the pathology of pre-eclampsia. Single-cell transcriptomics of the maternal-fetal interface were integrated to identify novel biomarkers for EOPE and LOPE which were further verified at protein or mRNA level in patients. RESULTS: We found that the transcriptomes of placentae from EOPE, but not LOPE, were significantly different from their respective controls. Conversely, the transcriptomes of peripheral blood from LOPE were more different from their controls than EOPE. Importantly, we identified that several classical biomarkers of pre-eclampsia were expressed specifically in extravillous trophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast and only upregulated in EOPE, suggesting they should not be applied to all pre-eclampsia patients in general. We further identified novel biomarkers for EOPE and LOPE from differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of placental and peripheral blood, respectively. The new biomarkers EBI3, IGF2, ORMDL3, GATA2 and KIR2DL4 were experimentally verified with patient blood samples. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrate distinct pathology of EOPE and LOPE, and uncover new biomarkers that can be applied in diagnosis for pre-eclampsia.

Antioxidant capacity of extract from Jiangtang Xiaozhi recipe in vitro.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the antioxidant capacity of the extract from Jiangtang Xiaozhi recipe (JXR) of in vitro. METHODS: JXR extract was prepared according to previously reported method. In vitro antioxidant assays were used in this experiment, including 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical (DPPH) radical scavenging ability, 2-2'-Azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sul phonate (ABTS) radical scavenging ability, reducing power assay, fluorescence recovery after photo bleaching assay, ß-carotene bleaching assay, ferric thiocyanate assay, and thiobarbituric acid method. RESULTS: DPPH, ABTS assay showed that JXR extract had distinct effect on scavenging free radicals; reducing power and ferricreducing-antioxidant power assay showed that JXR extract possessed redox ability; ß-Carotene bleaching assay and antioxidant activity in a linoleic acid system using ferric thiocyanate method, thiobarbituric acid assay indicated that JXR extract could effectively inhibit lipid peroxidation, and the effect was better than that of Vitamin C. CONCLUSION: JXR extract has significant antioxidant capacity in vitro.

Cardiovascular Modulating Effects of Magnolol and Honokiol, Two Polyphenolic Compounds from Traditional Chinese Medicine-Magnolia Officinalis.

Honokiol and its isomer magnolol are poly-phenolic compounds isolated from the Magnolia officinalis that exert cardiovascular modulating effects via a variety of mechanisms. They are used as blood-quickening and stasis-dispelling agents in Traditional Chinese Medicine and confirmed to have therapeutic potential in atherosclerosis, thrombosis, hypertension, and cardiac hypertrophy. This comprehensive review summarizes the current data regarding the cardioprotective mechanisms of those compounds and identifies areas for further research.