Exploration of chemical compositions in different germplasm wolfberry using UPLC-MS/MS and evaluation of the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of quercetin.

Wolfberry, esteemed as a traditional Chinese medicinal material and functional food, is replete with nutrients and boasts a diverse array of health benefits, including hypoglycemic, antitumor, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-enhancing properties. Notably, inflammation is a pivotal factor in the onset and progression of numerous diseases. Despite this, there is a paucity of research on the comprehensive evaluation of the components found in different wolfberries, and the exploration of their primary active components is limited. To address this issue, we conducted a comprehensive targeted metabolomics analysis, employing statistical methods such as principal component analysis (PCA), orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), KEGG pathway analysis, and volcano plots to delineate the compositional differences among red, black, and yellow wolfberries. Furthermore, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of their primary components through in vitro experiments. Our analysis revealed a total of 1,104 chemical compositions in the three wolfberries, with alkaloids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and lipids being the predominant nutritional components. KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that these compositions were primarily involved in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, ABC transport, and galactose metabolism pathway. Moreover, our study demonstrated that quercetin exhibited dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity in LPS-stimulated HUVECs. It effectively inhibited the production of inflammatory factors such as TNF-α, MCP-1, and IL-1ß, while also down-regulating the gene and protein expression levels of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. In conclusion, our findings indicate that there are variations in compositions among the three wolfberries, with flavonoids being the most abundant, and in vitro studies also confirmed the anti-inflammatory potential of quercetin. It is worth noting that Lycium ruthenicum contains higher levels of antioxidant components and possesses greater nutritional value, providing valuable insights for the future development and utilization of the three wolfberries.

The role of PI3k/AKT signaling pathway in attenuating liver fibrosis: a comprehensive review.

Excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components within the liver leads to a pathological condition known as liver fibrosis. Alcohol abuse, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), autoimmune issues, and viral hepatitis cause chronic liver injury. Exploring potential therapeutic targets and understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in liver fibrosis are essential for the development of effective interventions. The goal of this comprehensive review is to explain how the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway contributes to the reduction of liver fibrosis. The potential of this pathway as a therapeutic target is investigated through a summary of results from in vivo and in vitro studies. Studies focusing on PI3K/AKT activation have shown a significant decrease in fibrosis markers and a significant improvement in liver function. The review emphasizes how this pathway may prevent ECM synthesis and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation, ultimately reducing the fibrotic response. The specific mechanisms and downstream effectors of the PI3K/AKT pathway in liver fibrosis constitute a rapidly developing field of study. In conclusion, the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway plays a significant role in attenuating liver fibrosis. Its complex role in regulating HSC activation and ECM production, demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo, underscores its potential as a effective therapeutic approach for managing liver fibrosis and slowing disease progression. A comprehensive review of this field provides valuable insights into its future developments and implications for clinical applications.

Fatty infiltration of the pancreas: a systematic concept analysis.

Fatty infiltration of the pancreas (FIP) has been recognized for nearly a century, yet many aspects of this condition remain unclear. Regular literature reviews on the diagnosis, consequences, and management of FIP are crucial. This review article highlights the various disorders for which FIP has been established as a risk factor, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), pancreatitis, pancreatic fistula (PF), metabolic syndrome (MS), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and pancreatic duct adenocarcinoma (PDAC), as well as the new investigation tools. Given the interdisciplinary nature of FIP research, a broad range of healthcare specialists are involved. This review article covers key aspects of FIP, including nomenclature and definition of pancreatic fat infiltration, history and epidemiology, etiology and pathophysiology, clinical presentation and diagnosis, clinical consequences, and treatment. This review is presented in a detailed narrative format for accessibility to clinicians and medical students.

Mechanistic new insights of flavonols on neurodegenerative diseases.

With a large and increasing elderly population, neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington disease (HD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Multiple sclerosis (MS) have become a major and growing health problem. During the past few decades, the elderly population has grown 2.5 % every year. Unfortunately, there are no specific therapeutic remedies available to slow the onset or development of these diseases. An aging brain causes many pathophysiological changes and is the major risk factor for most of the neurodegenerative disorders. Polyphenolic compounds such as flavonols have shown therapeutic potential and can contribute to the treatment of these diseases. In this review, evidence for the beneficial neuroprotective effect of multiple flavonols is discussed and their multifactorial cellular pathways for the progressions of age-associated brain changes are identified. Moreover, the animal models of these diseases support the neuroprotective effect and target the potential of flavonols in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Recent insights of the role and signalling pathways of interleukin-34 in liver diseases.

Liver disease is a global health problem and is a primary cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Specifically, it accounts for approximately two million deaths per year worldwide. The common causes of mortality are the complications of liver cirrhosis, viral hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The mechanism of immune response and infiltration of cellular immunity is essential for promoting hepatic inflammatory, especially when the liver is abundant with lymphocytes and phagocytic cells. The injured and immunity cells secret different types of interleukins (cytokines), which can directly or indirectly amplify or inhibit liver inflammation. Many types of cells can produce interleukin-34 (IL-34) that induces the release of multiple inflammatory factors in patients via interaction with various cytokines. This phenomenon leads to the enlargement of the inflammatory response to liver diseases and induces liver fibrosis. This review highlights the proposed roles of IL-34 in liver diseases and discusses the recent findings of IL-34 that support its emerging role in HCC. Specifically, the facilitating effects of these new insights on the rational development of IL-34 for targeted therapies in the future are explored.

Diacerein: Recent insight into pharmacological activities and molecular pathways.

Diacerein is a symptomatic slow-acting drug in osteoarthritis (SYSADOA) and the active metabolite is rhein. It is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with unique pharmacological properties as anti-oxidant and anti-apoptosis. Diacerein has recently shown to have a potential role by mediating anti-inflammatory as well as anti-oxidant and anti-apoptosis in kidney injury, diabetes mullites, and a beneficial effect on pain relief. It may have a therapeutic role in cancer, ulcerative colitis, testicular injury and cervical hyperkeratosis. Furthermore, diacerein has a valuable addition in combination therapy as a synergetic agent. This review, the first of its kind, highlights the proposed roles of diacerein in osteoarthritis and discusses recent results supporting its emerging roles with a particular focus on how these new insights may facilitate the rational development of diacerein for targeted therapies in the future.