A graminan type fructan from Achyranthes bidentata prevents the kidney injury in diabetic mice by regulating gut microbiota.

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the main cause of end-stage renal disease, and few therapeutic options are available. The root of Achyranthis bidentatae (AB) is commonly used for DKD treatment in Traditional Chinese medicine. However, its mechanisms are still unclear. Here, a graminan type fructan ABPW1 with molecular weight of 3998 Da was purified from AB. It was composed of ß-1,2-linked Fruf, ß-2,6-linked-Fruf and ß-1,2,6-linked-Fruf backbone, and terminated with T-Glcp and 2-Fruf residues. ABPW1 protected against kidney injuries and intestinal barrier disruption in Streptozotocin (STZ)/High fat diet (HFD) mice. It could modulate gut microbiota composition, evidenced by a rise in the abundance of Bacteroide and decreases of Rikenella, Alistipes, Laedolimicola and Faecalibaculum. ABPW1 intervention promoted short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production in STZ/HFD mice, especially propionate and isobutyric acid. Antibiotic treatment further demonstrated the key role of gut microbiota in the renal protective action of ABPW1. In addition, in vitro simulated digestion and fermentation together with in vivo fluorescent labeling studies demonstrated ABPW1 was indigestible in upper digestive tract but could reach the colon and be degraded into SCFAs by gut microbiota there. Overall, these data suggested ABPW1 has the potential application on DKD prevention.

The validation of the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist Scale in posttraumatic stress disorder and nonclinical subjects.

BACKGROUND: The Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist Scale (PCLS) is a short self-report inventory for assessing the 3 main syndromes of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The aim of this study was the validation of the French version of the PCLS in PTSD subjects and nonclinical subjects. METHODS: One-hundred and thirteen outpatients suffering from PTSD according to DSM-IV were administered the PCLS. The patients' scores on the PCLS were then compared to those of 31 nonclinical control subjects. Thirty-five of the patients were administered the PCLS twice over an interval of 1-2 weeks and also completed questionnaires measuring depression, phobia and anxiety. RESULTS: The patients' total score and subscores on the PCLS were found to be significantly higher than those of control subjects. The cutoff score of 44 on the French version PCLS distinguishes well between the PTSD group and control group with a high diagnostic efficacy (0.94). Factor analysis revealed 3 main factors corresponding to the reexperiencing, numbing and hyperarousal syndromes. The PCLS showed satisfactory test-retest reliability and internal consistency. CONCLUSIONS: The PCLS is therefore a valid and effective measurement of PTSD. It may be a useful tool for screening and assessing PTSD in psychiatric as well as in primary-care settings.