Effects of ketogenic diet on weight loss parameters among obese or overweight patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trails.

Aim: To evaluate how effective a low carbohydrate ketogenic diet (KD) is for changing key physical measurements such as weight, waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), and fat mass (FM) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who were obese or overweight. Methods: Several online databases, including PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science (WOS), were searched systematically to find relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) up until June 2023. The Q-test and I2 statistics were used to assess the level of heterogeneity among the included studies. The data were then combined using either a fixed or random effects model and presented as a weighted mean difference (WMD) along with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Of the 682 citations, 11 RCTs were included. The pooled results showed a significant decrease in the WMD of weight levels [WMD = -9.13 kg; 95% CI, -11.88, -6.39, P < 0.001; I2 = 87.23%] following KD. Moreover, KD significantly reduced BMI levels [WMD = -2.93 kg/m2; 95% CI, -3.65, -2.21, P < 0.001; I2 = 78.81%] compared to the controls. Patients with PCOS received KD demonstrated significant decrease in WC [WMD = -7.62 cm; 95% CI, -10.73, -4.50, P < 0.001; I2 = 89.17%] and FM [WMD = -5.32 kg; 95% CI, -7.29, -3.36, P < 0.001; I2 = 83.97%]. Conclusion: KD was associated with lower weight loss (WL) parameters, including weight, BMI, WC, and FM, in obese or overweight women with PCOS, highlighting the significance of physicians and nurses in taking care of the nutritional needs of overweight/obese patients with PCOS.

Long-circulating doxorubicin and Schizandrin A liposome with drug-resistant liver cancer activity: in vitro and in vivo evaluation.

Co-loading doxorubicin (DOX) and Schizandrin A (SchA) long-circulating liposome (SchA-DOX-Lip) have been confirmed to have good antitumor activity in vitro. However, in vivo pharmacodynamics, targeting, safety, and mechanism of action of SchA-DOX-Lip still need to be further verified. We investigated the tumor inhibition effect, targeting, safety evaluation, and regulation of tumor apoptosis-related proteins of the SchA-DOX-Lip. MTT assay was used to investigate the inhibitory effect of SchA-DOX-Lip on CBRH7919 cells. The drug uptake of CBRH7919 cells was observed by inverted fluorescence microscope. The tumor-bearing nude mice models of CBRH7919 were established, and the anti-tumor effect of SchA-DOX-Lip in vivo was evaluated by tumor biological observation, H&E staining, and TUNEL staining. The distribution and targeting of SchA-DOX-Lip in nude mice models were investigated by small animal imaging and tissue distribution experiment of CBRH7919. The biosafety of SchA-DOX-Lip was evaluated by blood routine parameters, biochemical indexes, and H&E staining. The expression of tumor-associated apoptotic proteins (Bcl-2, Bax, and Caspase-3) was detected by immunohistochemistry anvd western blotting. The results showed that SchA-DOX-Lip had cytotoxicity to CBRH7919 cells which effectively inhibited the proliferation of CBRH7919 cells, improved the uptake of drugs by CBRH7919 cells and the targeting effect of drugs on tumor site. H&E staining and biochemical detection results showed that SchA-DOX-Lip had high biosafety and did not cause serious damage to normal tissues. Western-blotting and TUNEL staining results showed that SchA-DOX-Lip could improve the regulatory effect of drugs on tumor apoptosis proteins. It was demonstrated that SchA-DOX-Lip had high safety and strong tumor inhibition effects, providing a new method for the clinical treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

In Silico Genome-Wide Analysis of B3 Transcription Factors in Cannabis sativa L.

Introduction: The B3 transcription factor has been identified in Arabidopsis thaliana, Oryza sativa, and Solanum lycopersicum, among other species. This family of transcription factors regulates seed growth, development, and stress. Cannabis is a valuable crop with numerous applications; however, no B3 transcription factors have been identified in this plant. Materials and Methods: The cannabis B3 gene family was identified and analyzed using bioinformatics analysis tools, such as the NCBI database, plantTFDB website, TBtools, and MEGA software. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) experiments were used to confirm its function. Results: The cannabis B3 family contains 65 members spread across 10 chromosomes. The isoelectric point ranged from 10.03 to 4.65, and the molecular weight ranged from 99,542.88 to 14,310.9 Da. Most of the members were found in the nucleus. The upstream promoter region of the gene contains a variety of cis-acting elements related to the stress response. RNA-seq data and qRT-PCR results showed that CsB3 genes were expressed differently in five organs of female Diku plants and in glandular hairs of nine distinct types of female cannabis inflorescences. Collinearity analysis revealed that there were more homologous genes between cannabis and dicotyledons than monocotyledonous plants, which was consistent with the evolutionary relationship. Conclusions: Hormones and external environmental factors might influence CsB3 expression. Furthermore, some genes such as CsB3-02, CsB3-07, CsB3-50, CsB3-62, and CsB3-65 may participate in cannabis growth and development and play a role in secondary metabolite synthesis. This study provides a solid foundation for further research into the gene function of the cannabis B3 family.

Identification of the bZIP gene family and regulation of metabolites under salt stress in isatis indigotica.

The bZIP transcription factor family plays important roles in plant growth and development, response to stress, and regulation of secondary metabolite biosynthesis. The identification and molecular function of bZIP gene have been deeply studied in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, but it has not been reported in the medicinal plant Isatis indigotica. In this study, 65 IibZIP genes were identified in the genome of I. indigotica, which were distributed on seven chromosomes, were highly conserved, could be classified into 11 subgroups. Transcriptomic and metabolomic data for leaves of I. indigotica exposed to salt stress were analyzed to construct an IibZIP gene co-expression network and metabolite correlation network. Seventeen IibZIP genes were co-expressed with 79 transcription factors, and GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that most of these genes were associated with abiotic stress and hormone responses of plants. 17 IibZIP genes regulated 110 metabolites through 92 transcription factor associations. In addition, IibZIP23, IibZIP38 and IibZIP51 were associated with six metabolites including three alkaloids (quinoline alkaloid stylopine, indole alkaloids tabersonine and indole-3-acetic acid), flavonoid myricetin 3-O-galactoside, and two primary metabolites 2-hydroxy-6-aminopurine, 3-dehydroshikimic acid were strongly correlated. This study provides data for identification of the IibZIP gene family and their regulation of metabolites in response to salt stress.

Collaborative Construction of a Silver Nanocluster Fluorescent Probe Using the Pyridinium-Based Ionic Liquid [C4py][DCA].

A silver nanocluster fluorescent probe was synthesized by using the pyridinium-based ionic liquid [C4py][DCA] as the protective agent, AgNO3 as the precursor, and NaBH4 as the reducing agent. The presence of pyridine group enhanced the fluorescence intensity of Ag nanoclusters and facilitated the coordination interaction between Ag nanoclusters and AsO3 3-. Therefore, the collaborative construction of a silver nanocluster probe using the pyridinium-based ionic liquid [C4py][DCA] offered outstanding selectivity and sensitivity to detect AsO3 3- in water. More interestingly, the fluorescent probe quenched by AsO3 3- could be recovered with the addition of H2O2. This fluorescent probe provided a rapid and superior method for the detection of As(III) in the linear concentration range of 0-60 ppb with the lowest detection limit of 0.60 ppb. The mechanism of fluorescence quenching was a static quenching, considered to be due to electron migration between functional groups on the surface of Ag nanoclusters constructed with [C4py][DCA] and AsO3 3-.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Angelica laevigata Fisch.

Angelica laevigata (Fisch 1812) is an important medicinal plant endowed with a rich chemical composition. In the present study, we present the complete chloroplast genome sequence of A. laevigata. The total length was 146,161 bp, comprising a large single-copy region of 93,538 bp and a small single-copy region of 17,779 bp separated by two inverted repeats of 17,422 bp each. A total of 128 genes were identified containing 87 protein-coding genes, 33 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that A. laevigata is closely associated with Angelica laxifoliata from the Umbelliferae family.

Uncovering pharmacological mechanisms of Zhi-Zi-Hou-Po decoction in chronic unpredictable mild stress induced rats through pharmacokinetics, monoamine neurotransmitter and neurogenesis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Zhi-Zi-Hou-Po decoction (ZZHPD), a classical Chinese prescription, has been reported to improve depressive behaviors in clinic. However, definite pharmacological effects and mechanisms of ZZHPD on monoaminergic system and hippocampal neurogenesis are ambiguous. It need to be further illuminated. AIM OF THE STUDY: Our study is designed to reveal pharmacological mechanisms of ZZHPD on depression through pharmacokinetics, monoamine neurotransmitters and neurogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) is used to establish rats model of depression. Then, the antidepressant effects of ZZHPD are evaluated by detecting body weight, sucrose preference and forced swimming test. The regulatory functions of ZZHPD on monoaminergic system are assessed by measuring monoamine neurotransmitters, neurotransmitter precursor substances, synthesized rate-limiting enzymes and transporters. Finally, potential molecular mechanism of ZZHPD on hippocampal neurogenesis is evaluated by investigating newborn immature neuron and newborn mature neuron. RESULTS: Our results show that ZZHPD remarkably normalizes CUMS-induced decline in weight gain, decrease of sucrose consumption rate in sucrose preference test and increase of immobility time in forced swimming test. Moreover, ZZHPD significantly reverses CUMS-induced reduction of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), dopamine (DA), tryptophan (Trp), tyrosine (Tyr), tryptophan hydroxylase2 (TPH2) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), whereas decreases level of serotonin transporter (SERT) in CUMS-induced rats. Finally, ZZHPD obviously improves CUMS-induced decrease of newborn immature neuron and newborn mature neuron in dentate gyrus of hippocampus. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that ZZHPD can alleviate CUMS-induced depression-like behaviors. It is probably attributed to the fact that ZZHPD could enhance monoaminergic system and hippocampal neurogenesis. Our findings provide the new perspectives on molecular targets of ZZHPD, and it will facilitate its clinical application.

American ginseng regulates gene expression to protect against premature ovarian failure in rats.

Premature ovarian failure (POF) is defined as lost ovarian functions before the age of 40. Three possible molecular markers (PLA2G4A, miR-29a, and miR-144) have been identified in our previous study by integrated analysis of mRNA and miRNA expression profiles. The present study aimed to evaluate American ginseng root's protective potential against POF by studying transcriptional and protein variations between American ginseng treatments and controls in rats. 4-Vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD) was administered to rats for 14 days to induce POF. Additionally, American ginseng was administered to POF rats for one month, and PLA2G4A, miR-29a, and miR-144 expressions were measured in rat ovaries by qRT-PCR. PLA2G4A protein expression was examined by Western Blot, and PGE2, LH, FSH, and E2 serum levels were detected by ELISA. PLA2G4A mRNA and protein were downregulated in American ginseng-treated rats, miR-29a and miR-144 levels increased, and PGE2 serum levels decreased, while LH, FSH, and E2 increased compared to POF induction alone. Analysis of transcriptional and protein variations suggested that American ginseng protects the ovary against POF by regulating prostaglandin biosynthesis, ovulation, and preventing ovarian aging. High hormone levels (PGE2, FSH, and LH) were reduced, and E2 secretion approached normal levels, leading to improved POF symptoms and abnormal ovulation.

Preventive effect of American ginseng against premature ovarian failure in a rat model.

Preclinical Research Premature ovarian failure (POF) is defined by the WHO as the loss of physiological ovarian function before the age of 40. The effect of American ginseng and its underlying mechanisms in preventing and treating premature ovarian failure (POF) was studied in female Sprague-Dawley rats where POF was induced by ip administration of 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD). Rat behavior, serum hormone levels, ovarian and uterine size, pathological features, and ovarian tissue expression of genes associated with POF were assessed in controls, untreated POF model rats, and POF model rats treated with low- (1.125 g/kg), medium- (2.25 g/kg), and high-dose (4.5 g/kg) American ginseng. Compared with untreated POF model rats, those treated with medium- and high-dose American ginseng had more stable behavior and better coat appearance as well as serum hormone levels closer to those in control rats. Moreover, treatment with medium- or high-dose American ginseng increased ovarian and uterine size. Hematoxylin and eosin-staining revealed mature follicles and endometrium with an alternating concave/convex surface structure with visible capillaries and glands in ginseng- treated POF rats. PLA2G4A expression was positively correlated with POF, while the expression levels of PAPPA, STC2, CCL2, and NELL1 were negatively correlated with POF. Our study showed that American ginseng may effectively prevent POF and alleviate POF symptoms by regulating serum hormone levels and altering the expression levels of genes related to POF in ovarian tissue.

An electrochemiluminescent DNA sensor based on nano-gold enhancement and ferrocene quenching.

An electrochemiluminescent DNA (ECL-DNA) sensor based on nano-gold signal enhancement (i.e. gold nanoparticles, GNP) and ferrocene signal quenching was investigated. The Au electrode was first modified with GNPs through electrodeposition method, followed by subsequent immobilization of single-stranded probe DNA labeled with ruthenium complex. The resulting sensor produced a higher ECL signal due to its higher density of self-assembled probe DNAs on the surface. Upon the hybridization of probe DNA with complementary target DNA labeled with ferrocene, ECL intensity decreased significantly due to spatial separation of ECL label from the electrode surface. As a result, the ECL signal was simultaneously quenched by ferrocene. The effects of both nano-gold electrodeposition time and ferrocene on the performance of ECL-DNA sensor were studied in detail and possible reasons for these effects were suggested as well. The reported ECL-DNA sensor showed great sensitivity and may provide an alternative approach for DNA detection in diagnostics and gene analysis.

[Determination of micro amount of tellurium (IV) in crude selenium sample by kinetic-specatrophotometry].

A new indicator reaction based on the interaction of sodium sulfide reducing properties with methylene blue in cetyltrimethylammonium bromide pH 3.8 acetic acid buffer solution was put forward to determine micro amount of tellurium. The effect of concentration of reaction substances, acidity, interfering ions etc. on the analytical results was studied. The apparent activation energy is 68.94 kJ x mol(-1) and the constant of reaction rate is 1.63 x 10(-2) s(-1). Beer's law is obeyed for tellurium in the range of 20-220 ng x mL(-1). The regression equation is y = 0.003 8x + 0.219 1 and the correlation coefficient is r = 0.999 5. The limit of detection for Te is 3.04 ng x mL(-1). The method was applied to the determination of Te in crude selenium sample, and the relative standard deviation is 3.1% (n = 7). The recovery was between 98.4% and 100.4%.