Serum homocysteine relates to elevated lipid level, inflammation and major adverse cardiac event risk in acute myocardial infarction patients.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate association of homocysteine (Hcy) with major adverse cardiac event (MACE) risk in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods: Serum Hcy data from 196 AMI and 20 angina pectoris patients were retrieved from a hospital's electronic system. AMI patients attended a median of 21.2-month follow-up. Results: Hcy was elevated in AMI patients compared with angina pectoris patients (p = 0.020). In AMI patients, Hcy was positively related to total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, C-reactive protein, infarct size, TNF-α and IL-6, while inversely linked with IL-10 (all p < 0.05). Hcy was independently associated with high MACE risk in AMI patients (p = 0.024). Conclusion: Serum Hcy correlates with elevated lipid levels, inflammation, infarct size and MACE risk in AMI patients.

Trends in metabolic indicators and microvascular complications in Chinese adults with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes: A retrospective, single-centre study of twenty-years.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to assess metabolic indicators and trends in microvascular complications among Chinese adults with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes during 2000-2020. METHODS: 3,907 patients were included and divided into three groups according to a time period of 7 years. This study analyzed trends in proportions of patients reached therapeutic targets of blood glucose, pressure and lipids, and trends in albuminuria, retinopathy, and peripheral neuropathy. RESULTS: In the past 20 years, the age of adults with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes tended to be younger, and the proportion of female patients increased. There seemed no improvements in blood glucose and pressure. The rate of awareness and treatment on target of hypertension was less than 50%. There was a significant decrease in the prevalence of retinopathy, but no changes in nephropathy or peripheral neuropathy. Complications were more common for patients who were smoker, male, or with hypertension and obesity. CONCLUSIONS: Over the past two decades, there have been encouraging reductions in retinopathy in Chinese adults with newly diagnosed diabetes, but no significant change in albuminuria and peripheral neuropathy. It may be related to the low awareness of diabetes and insufficient controlled blood glucose, pressure and lipids on target.

Alterations in gut microbiota and urine metabolomics in infants with yin-deficiency constitution aged 0-2 years.

Background: Based on the constitution theroy, infants are classified into balanced constitution (BC) and unbalanced constitution. Yin-deficiency constitution (YINDC) is a common type of unbalanced constitutions in Chinese infants. An infant's gut microbiota directly affects the child's health and has long-term effects on the maturation of the immune and endocrine systems throughout life. However, the gut microbiota of infants with YINDC remains unknown. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the intestinal flora profiles and urinary metabolites in infant with YINDC, find biomarkers to identify YINDC, and promote our understanding of infant constitution classification. Methods: Constitutional Medicine Questionnaires were used to assess the infants' constitution types. 47 infants with 21 cases of YINDC and 26 cases of BC were included, and a cross-sectional sampling of stool and urine was conducted. Fecal microbiota was characterized using 16S rRNA sequencing, and urinary metabolomics was profiled using UPLC-Q-TOF/MS method. YINDC markers with high accuracy were identified using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results: The diversity and composition of intestinal flora and urinary metabolites differed significantly between the YINDC and BC groups. A total of 13 obviously different genera and 55 altered metabolites were identified. Stool microbiome shifts were associated with urine metabolite changes. A combined marker comprising two genera may have a high potential to identify YINDC with an AUC of 0.845. Conclusions: Infants with YINDC had a unique gut microbiota and metabolomic profile resulting in a constitutional microclassification. The altered gut microbiome in YINDC may account for the higher risk of cardiovascular diseases. Metabolomic analysis of urine showed that metabolic pathways, including histidine metabolism, proximal tubule bicarbonate reclamation, arginine biosynthesis, and steroid hormone biosynthesis, were altered in infants with YINDC. Additionally, the combined bacterial biomarker had the ability to identify YINDC. Identifying YINDC in infancy and intervening at an early stage is crucial for preventing cardiovascular diseases.

Circulating tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1ß, and interleukin-17A estimates increased major adverse cardiac event risk in acute myocardial infarction patients.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory cytokines are implicated in the development of atherosclerosis and cardiomyocyte injury during acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This study aimed to investigate the correlation of eight common inflammatory cytokines with major adverse cardiac event (MACE) risk and further establish a prognostic model in AMI patients. METHODS: Serum samples of 210 AMI patients and 20 angina pectoris patients were, respectively, collected at admission, to detect tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17A, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17A, VCAM-1, and ICAM-1 were elevated (all p < 0.050); IL-10 (p = 0.009) was declined; IL-1ß (p = 0.086) was not varied in AMI patients compared with angina pectoris patients. TNF-α (p = 0.008), IL-17A (p = 0.003), and VCAM-1 (p = 0.014) were elevated in patients with MACE occurrence compared to patients without MACE occurrence; meanwhile, they possessed a relatively good value for identifying MACE risk via receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Subsequent multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the independent risk factors for MACE contained TNF-α (odds ratio (OR) = 1.038, p < 0.001), IL-1ß (OR = 1.705, p = 0.044), IL-17A (OR = 1.021, p = 0.009), history of diabetes mellitus (OR = 4.188, p = 0.013), history of coronary heart disease (OR = 3.287, p = 0.042), and symptom-to-balloon time (OR = 1.064, p = 0.030), whose combination disclosed a satisfying prognostic value for MACE risk (area under the curve: 0.877, 95% CI: 0.817-0.936). CONCLUSION: Elevated levels of serum TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-17A independently correlated with MACE risk in AMI patients, which perhaps provide novel auxiliary for AMI prognostic prediction.

Potential α-Glucosidase Inhibitors from the Deep-Sea Sediment-Derived Fungus Aspergillus insulicola.

Three new phenolic compounds, epicocconigrones C-D (1-2) and flavimycin C (3), together with six known phenolic compounds: epicocconigrone A (4); 2-(10-formyl-11,13-dihydroxy-12-methoxy-14-methyl)-6,7-dihydroxy-5-methyl-4-benzofurancarboxaldehyde (5); epicoccolide B (6); eleganketal A (7); 1,3-dihydro-5-methoxy-7-methylisobenzofuran (8); and 2,3,4-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)-5-methylbenzyl-alcohol (9), were isolated from fermentation cultures of a deep-sea sediment-derived fungus, Aspergillus insulicola. Their planar structures were elucidated based on the 1D and 2D NMR spectra and HRESIMS data. The absolute configurations of compounds 1-3 were determined by ECD calculations. Compound 3 represented a rare fully symmetrical isobenzofuran dimer. All compounds were evaluated for their α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, and compounds 1, 4-7, and 9 exhibited more potent α-glucosidase inhibitory effect with IC50 values ranging from 17.04 to 292.47 µM than positive control acarbose with IC50 value of 822.97 µM, indicating that these phenolic compounds could be promising lead compounds of new hypoglycemic drugs.

The Alpha Subunit of Mitochondrial Processing Peptidase Participated in Fertility Restoration in Honglian-CMS Rice.

The cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) and nuclear-controlled fertility restoration system is a favorable tool for the utilization of heterosis in plant hybrid breeding. Many restorer-of-fertility (Rf) genes have been characterized in various species over the decades, but more detailed work is needed to investigate the fertility restoration mechanism. Here, we identified an alpha subunit of mitochondrial processing peptidase (MPPA) that is involved in the fertility restoration process in Honglian-CMS rice. MPPA is a mitochondrial localized protein and interacted with the RF6 protein encoded by the Rf6. MPPA indirectly interacted with hexokinase 6, namely another partner of RF6, to form a protein complex with the same molecular weight as the mitochondrial F1F0-ATP synthase in processing the CMS transcript. Loss-of-function of MPPA resulted in a defect in pollen fertility, the mppa+/- heterozygotes showed semi-sterility phenotype and the accumulation of CMS-associated protein ORFH79, showing restrained processing of the CMS-associated atp6-OrfH79 in the mutant plant. Taken together, these results threw new light on the process of fertility restoration by investigating the RF6 fertility restoration complex. They also reveal the connections between signal peptide cleavage and the fertility restoration process in Honglian-CMS rice.

Damp-heat constitution influences gut microbiota and urine metabolism of Chinese infants.

Background: As an increasingly popular complementary and alternative approach for early detection and treatment of disease, traditional Chinese medicine constitution (TCMC) divides human beings into those with balanced constitution (BC) and unbalanced constitution, where damp-heat constitution (DHC) is one of the most unbalanced constitutions. Many studies have been carried out on the microscopic mechanism of constitution classification; however, most of these studies were conducted in adults and rarely in infants. Many diseases are closely related to intestinal microbiota, and metabolites produced by the interaction between microbiota and the body may impact constitution classification. Herein, we investigated the overall constitution distribution in Chinese infants, and analyzed the profiles of gut microbiota and urine metabolites of DHC to further promote the understanding of infants constitution classification. Methods: General information was collected and TCMC was evaluated by Constitutional Medicine Questionnaires. 1315 questionnaires were received in a cross-sectional study to investigate the constitution composition in Chinese infants. A total of 56 infants, including 30 DHC and 26 BC, were randomly selected to analyze gut microbiota by 16S rRNA sequencing and urine metabolites by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS method. Results: BC was the most common constitution in Chinese infants, DHC was the second common constitution. The gut microbiota and urine metabolites in the DHC group showed different composition compared to the BC group. Four differential genera and twenty differential metabolites were identified. In addition, the combined marker composed of four metabolites may have the high potential to discriminate DHC from BC with an AUC of 0.765. Conclusions: The study revealed the systematic differences in the gut microbiota and urine metabolites between infants with DHC and BC. Moreover, the differential microbiota and metabolites may offer objective evidences for constitution classification.

New Azaphilones from the Marine-Derived Fungus Penicillium sclerotiorum E23Y-1A with Their Anti-Inflammatory and Antitumor Activities.

Nine new azaphilones, including penicilazaphilones I-N (1, 2 and 6-9), epi-geumsanol D (3) and penidioxolanes C (4) and D (5) were isolated from the culture of the marine-derived fungus Penicillium sclerotiorum E23Y-1A. The structures of the isolates were deduced from extensive spectroscopic data (1D and 2D NMR), high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HRESIMS), and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. All the azaphilones from P. sclerotiorum E23Y-1A were tested for their anti-inflammatory and antitumor activities. Penicilazaphilone N (9) showed moderate anti-inflammatory activity with an IC50 value of 22.63 ± 2.95 µM, whereas penidioxolane C (4) exhibited moderate inhibition against human myeloid leukemia cells (K562), human liver cancer cells (BEL-7402), human gastric cancer cells (SGC-7901), human non-small cell lung cancer cells (A549), and human hela cervical cancer cells, with IC50 values of 23.94 ± 0.11, 60.66 ± 0.13, 46.17 ± 0.17, 60.16 ± 0.26, and 59.30 ± 0.60 µM, respectively.

p-Terphenyl and Diphenyl Ether Derivatives from the Marine-Derived Fungus Aspergillus candidus HM5-4.

Two undescribed p-terphenyl derivatives, asperterphenylcins A-B (1-2), and two undescribed diphenyl ether derivatives, asperdiphenylcins A-B (3-4), together with three previously described p-terphenyl derivatives-4″-deoxyterprenin (5), terphenyllin (6), and 3″-hydroxyterphenyllin (7)-were obtained from the solid-rice culture of the marine-derived fungus Aspergillus candidus HM5-4, which was isolated from sponges from the South China Sea. Their structures were elucidated by HRESIMS data and NMR spectroscopic analysis. Compound 1 showed a strong inhibitory effect on Neoscytalidium dimidiatum, with an inhibition circle diameter of 31.67 ± 2.36 mm at a concentration of 10.0 µg/disc. Compounds 5 and 7 displayed cytotoxic activity against human chronic myeloid leukemia cells (K562), human liver cancer cells (BEL-7402), human gastric cancer cells (SGC-7901), human non-small cell lung cancer cells (A549) and human HeLa cervical cancer cells, with IC50 values ranging from 3.32 to 60.36 µM, respectively. Compounds 2, 6 and 7 showed potent inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase, with IC50 values of 1.26 ± 0.19, 2.16 ± 0.44 and 13.22 ± 0.55 µM, respectively.

Ataxia with oculomotor apraxia type 2 caused by a novel homozygous mutation in SETX gene, and literature review.

Objectives: Autosomal recessive inherited ataxia with oculomotor apraxia type 2 (AOA2), caused by SETX gene mutations, is characterized by early-onset, progressive cerebellar ataxia, peripheral neuropathy, oculomotor apraxia and elevated serum α-fetoprotein (AFP). This study aimed to expand and summarize the clinical and genetic characteristics of SETX variants related to AOA2. Methods: The biochemical parameters, electromyogram and radiological findings of the patient were evaluated. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed on the patient using next-generation sequencing (NGS), the variants were confirmed by Sanger sequencing and the pathogenicity of the variants was classified according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics/Association for Molecular Pathology (ACMG/AMP) guidelines. We reviewed 57 studies of AOA2 patients with SETX mutations and collected clinical and genetic information. Results: The patient was a 40-year-old Chinese woman who primarily presented with numbness and weakness of the lower limbs in her teenage years. She had elevated AFP, increased serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) and decreased anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels. We identified a novel homozygous missense mutation of the SETX gene, c.7118 C>T (p. Thr2373Ile), in the patient via Whole-exome and Sanger sequencing. The variant was located in the DNA/RNA helicase domain and is highly conserved. The protein prediction analysis verified the SETX variant as a damaging alteration and ACMG/AMP guidelines classified it as likely pathogenic. Through a literature review, we identified 229 AOA2 cases with SETX variants, and among the variants, 156 SETX variants were exonic. We found that 107 (46.7%) patients were European, 50 (21.8%) were African and 48 (21.0%) were Asian. Among the Asian patients, five from two families were Mainland Chinese. The main clinical features were cerebellar ataxia (100%), peripheral neuropathy (94.6%), cerebellar atrophy (95.3%) and elevated AFP concentration (92.0%). Most reported SETX mutations in AOA2 patients were missense, frameshift and nonsense mutations. Conclusion: We discovered a novel homozygous variant of the SETX gene as a cause of AOA2 in the current patient and expanded the genotypic spectrum of AOA2. Moreover, the clinical features of AOA2 and genetic findings in SETX were assessed in reported cohorts and are summarized in the present study.

The Prognosis of Diabetic Foot Ulcer is Independent of age? A Comparative Analysis of the Characteristics of Patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcer in Different age Groups: A Cross-Sectional Study from China.

Background: With younger onset age of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the incidence of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) in young and middle-aged adults is also increasing. Elucidating the distinctive characteristics of DFU in different ages and exploring the influence of age on the prognosis of DFU are crucial to the improvement of DFU treatments. Methods: 684 patients hospitalized for DFU in the department of endocrinology were recruited and assigned into the young and middle-aged group (age <65 years old) and the elderly group (age ≥65 years old). Demographic data and clinical features were compared between two groups. Results: Compared with the elderly group, the young and middle-aged group had higher proportion of males (72.3% vs 49.6%, P < .01) and smokers (52.5% vs 35.8%, P < .01), shorter duration of diabetes mellitus (155 months vs 196 months, P < .01), higher levels of glycosylated hemoglobin (9.3% vs 8.7%, P < .01), lower ratio of ankle-brachial index <0.9 (25.8% vs 51.1%, P < .01) and higher levels of c-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (14 mg/L vs 10 mg/L, P < .05; 36 mm/h vs 30 mm/h, P < .05). The prevalence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy and Wagner Grade were similar in two groups. Of note, the prognosis was similar in different age groups, as there were no significant differences in the healing rate (59.7% vs 60.1%, P > .05), healing time (30 days vs 22 days, P > .05) and minor amputation rate (11.9% vs 8.7%, P > .05). Conclusions: We found that no evidence to suggest a better prognosis with younger DFU patients. Compared with elderly ones, young and middle-aged patients were characterized by a higher proportion of smoking, worse glycemic control, higher inflammatory biomarkers but less severe lower limb ischemia, indicating that smoking cessation, strict blood glucose control and early detection of infection were crucial for improving the prognosis of young and middle-aged diabetic DFU patients.

OsGRP3 Enhances Drought Resistance by Altering Phenylpropanoid Biosynthesis Pathway in Rice (Oryza sativa L.).

As a sessile organism, rice often faces various kinds of abiotic stresses, such as drought stress. Drought stress seriously harms plant growth and damages crop yield every year. Therefore, it is urgent to elucidate the mechanisms of drought resistance in rice. In this study, we identified a glycine-rich RNA-binding protein, OsGRP3, in rice. Evolutionary analysis showed that it was closely related to OsGR-RBP4, which was involved in various abiotic stresses. The expression of OsGRP3 was shown to be induced by several abiotic stress treatments and phytohormone treatments. Then, the drought tolerance tests of transgenic plants confirmed that OsGRP3 enhanced drought resistance in rice. Meanwhile, the yeast two-hybrid assay, bimolecular luminescence complementation assay and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assay demonstrated that OsGRP3 bound with itself may affect the RNA chaperone function. Subsequently, the RNA-seq analysis, physiological experiments and histochemical staining showed that OsGRP3 influenced the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway and further modulated lignin accumulation. Herein, our findings suggested that OsGRP3 enhanced drought resistance in rice by altering the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway and further increasing lignin accumulation.

Acute spontaneous spinal subdural hematoma presenting with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy: a rare case report and literature review.

Spontaneous spinal subdural hematoma (SSDH) is a rare and dangerous intraspinal hematoma that usually occurs in the thoracic vertebra. The influence of early cardiovascular changes secondary to spinal cord injury is an important emergent issue. Herein, we report a case of a middle-aged woman with clinical manifestations of back pain and motion and sensory disturbances below the level of spinal cord compression. During the disease course, she also developed changes indicative of myocardial injury, such as tachycardia, markedly increased concentrations of brain natriuretic peptide and cardiac troponin I, and a decreased left ventricular ejection fraction, which were consistent with the diagnosis of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC). After the administration of supportive therapies, the symptoms of myocardial injury rapidly resolved. With the absorption of SSDH, the symptoms and clinical signs were alleviated. We also reviewed the literature on cases of concomitant SSDH and TTC. This rare case broadens the symptom spectrum of SSDH and highlights the need for clinicians to be aware of concomitant SSDH and TTC. Initial conservative treatment is a viable option for SSDH with concomitant TTC. However, urgent surgery may be a better option if the SSDH progressively enlarges and causes spinal cord compression.

Genome-wide identification and comprehensive analysis of tubby-like protein gene family in multiple crops.

Introduction: The highly conserved tubby-like proteins (TLPs) play key roles in animal neuronal development and plant growth. The abiotic stress tolerance function of TLPs has been widely explored in plants, however, little is known about comparative studies of TLPs within crops. Methods: Bioinformatic identification, phylogenetic analysis, Cis-element analysis, expression analysis, Cis-element analysis, expression analysis and so on were explored to analysis the TLP gene family of multiple crops. Results: In this study, a comprehensive analysis of TLP genes were carried out in seven crops to explore whether similar function of TLPs in rice could be achieved in other crops. We identified 20, 9, 14, 11, 12, 35, 14 and 13 TLP genes in Glycine max, Hordeum vulgare, Sorghum bicolor, Arabidopsis thaliana, Oryza sativa Japonica, Triticum aestivum, Setaria italic and Zea mays, respectively. All of them were divided into two groups and ten orthogroups (Ors) based on amino acids. A majority of TLP genes had two domains, tubby-like domain and F-box domain, while members of Or5 only had tubby-like domain. In addition, Or5 had more exons and shorter DNA sequences, showing that characteristics of different Ors reflected the differentiated function and feature of TLP genes in evolutionary process, and Or5 was the most different from the other Ors. Besides, we recognized 25 cis-elements in the promoter of TLP genes and explored multiple new regulation pathway of TLPs including light and hormone response. The bioinformatic and transcriptomic analysis implied the stresses induced expression and possible functional redundancy of TLP genes. We detected the expression level of 6 OsTLP genes at 1 to 6 days after seed germination in rice, and the most obvious changes in these days were appeared in OsTLP10 and OsTLP12. Discussion: Combined yeast two-hybrid system and pull down assay, we suggested that the TLP genes of Or1 may have similar function during seed germination in different species. In general, the results of comprehensive analysis of TLP gene family in multiple species provide valuable evolutionary and functional information of TLP gene family which are useful for further application and study of TLP genes.

The metabolomic landscape of rice heterosis highlights pathway biomarkers for predicting complex phenotypes.

Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying complex phenotypes requires systematic analyses of complicated metabolic networks and contributes to improvements in the breeding efficiency of staple cereal crops and diagnostic accuracy for human diseases. Here, we selected rice (Oryza sativa) heterosis as a complex phenotype and investigated the mechanisms of both vegetative and reproductive traits using an untargeted metabolomics strategy. Heterosis-associated analytes were identified, and the overlapping analytes were shown to underlie the association patterns for six agronomic traits. The heterosis-associated analytes of four yield components and plant height collectively contributed to yield heterosis, and the degree of contribution differed among the five traits. We performed dysregulated network analyses of the high- and low-better parent heterosis hybrids and found multiple types of metabolic pathways involved in heterosis. The metabolite levels of the significantly enriched pathways (especially those from amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism) were predictive of yield heterosis (area under the curve = 0.907 with 10 features), and the predictability of these pathway biomarkers was validated with hybrids across environments and populations. Our findings elucidate the metabolomic landscape of rice heterosis and highlight the potential application of pathway biomarkers in achieving accurate predictions of complex phenotypes.

Efficacy and Safety of Aspirin Combined with Low-Dose P2Y12 Receptor Antagonists in East Asian Patients Undergoing PCI.

Previous studies have indicated that low-dose new generation of P2Y12 receptor antagonists may be more suitable compared with clopidogrel at a standard dose for the dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) for East Asian patients receiving percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, there remains no consensus in clinical practice. Thus, in this study, we aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of low-dose P2Y12 receptor antagonists, compared to clopidogrel at a standard dose, in DAPT in East Asian patients after PCI. We systematically searched literatures for randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing low-dose P2Y12 receptor antagonists with standard-dose clopidogrel for the treatment of East Asian patients undergoing PCI. The endpoints of efficacy include major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), all-cause mortality, and the number of target vessel revascularization. The indicators of safety include major and minor bleeding events. Heterogeneity was evaluated by I2 statistic test. Begg's and Egger's tests were used to evaluate publication bias. In total, 2,747 subjects from 8 RCT studies were included. Low-dose new P2Y12 receptor antagonists, that is, ticagrelor or prasugrel, showed significantly lower incidence of MACEs, as compared with standard-dose clopidogrel, in the East Asian patients who are in DAPT after undergoing PCI. Further, no difference was noted for the risk of major and minor bleeding events. In East Asian patients undergoing PCI and receiving DAPT, the use of low-dose P2Y12 receptor antagonists, ticagrelor or prasugrel, has been determined to be superior than clopidogrel at standard dose; this has been evidenced by a lower incidence of MACEs without increasing the risk of bleeding.

The effect of Bu Shen Huo Xue Tang on autoimmune premature ovarian insufficiency via Modulation of the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway in mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Bu Shen Huo Xue Tang (BSHXT) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula that is clinically used in the treatment of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). However, its therapeutic mechanism remains unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to investigate the underlying molecular mechanism of pharmacological activity of BSHXT, via the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway, in the treatment of autoimmune POI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The chemical composition of BSHXT was analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry. The autoimmune POI mouse model was induced by immunizing mice twice, with zona pellucida (ZP) glycoprotein 3 antigen. The autoimmune POI mice were continuously administered BSHXT for 28 days. Body weight and organ indices were recorded. The pathological morphology of the ovaries was observed. The estrous cycle of each mouse was recorded. Immunofluorescence assay was used to detect the levels of ZP antibodies in the mouse ovaries. The levels of ZP antibodies, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), estradiol (E2), luteinizing hormone (LH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured. The expression of genes and proteins involved in the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway were measured by Q-PCR and IHC, respectively. RESULTS: Twenty-one compounds were identified in the BSHXT water extract. BSHXT was found to increase the body weight and ovarian index, improve ovarian function, and reduce disorders in the estrus cycle. It also reduced the expression of ZP antibodies in the ovaries and serum of POI mice. BSHXT significantly increased E2 and AMH levels and decreased FSH and LH levels. It also increased the levels of SOD, and reduced MDA levels. The levels of Nrf2 and Keap1 were also increased, and the expression of Nrf2, HO-1 and NQO1 genes was upregulated. CONCLUSIONS: BSHXT has a therapeutic effect on autoimmune POI in mice, which may be a result of the enhanced antioxidant capacity and activation of the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway. BSHXT is a good drug candidate for use as a protective agent for POI and may be used in clinical practice.

Consumers' attention on identification, nutritional compounds, and safety in heavy metals of Canadian sea cucumber in Chinese food market.

BACKGROUND: Based on the consumers' attention issues of sea cucumbers, we aimed to complete comprehensive information of commercial Canadian sea cucumbers (CCSC), which sprang up extensively in Chinese food market. RESULTS: CCSC were identified as Cucumaria frondosa and characterized based on the characteristics, nutritional compositions, and heavy metals. The abdomen and five internal tendons of Cucumaria frondosa were special orange. The average of soaking degree and water content, which consumers paid great attention to, was 2.8 ± 0.3 and 0.46 ± 0.09%, respectively. Proteins (56.4 ± 9.1%) and polysaccharides (12.2 ± 14.7%) were the principal nutrient component. In addition, there was a variety of free amino acids, in which arginine (70.1 ± 50.0 mg/100 g), glutamate (42.6 ± 23.9 mg/100 g), and alanine (32.2 ± 21.0 mg/100 g) were the main components. Phosphorus (P, 0.26 ± 0.05%), magnesium (Mg, 0.19 ± 0.07%), and kalium (K, 0.17 ± 0.08%) were the major mineral elements. Amount of heavy metal was within the safety limitation (5.5 ± 1.4 mg/kg). Furthermore, the active ingredients were positively correlated with size. CONCLUSION: The overall findings enriched the information of Cucumaria frondosa for consumers and suggested that the quality of Cucumaria frondosa was varied following commercial classification and size.

Elevated expression of FABP4 is associated with disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Aim: Data from 124 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and 69 healthy controls were collected. Materials & methods: ELISA was performed to detect serum FABP4 levels. Results: FABP4 level was elevated in RA patients and positively associated with 28-joint disease activity score, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, total cholesterol, triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Additionally, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for FABP4 was 0.685 for RA patients versus healthy controls (p = 0.001). RA patients were separated into low, moderate and high disease activity based on 28-joint disease activity score. The area under the receiver operating characteristic value was 0.877 for RA patients with high disease activity versus healthy controls (p < 0.001). Conclusion: FABP4 was associated with disease activity in RA patients.