Treatment measures for seasonal affective disorder: A network meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the potential effectiveness of several mainstream therapies, including phototherapy, antidepressants, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and negative ion generators, in the treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and WOS databases was conducted from January 1975 to December 3, 2022. Randomized controlled trials meeting predefined selection criteria for the treatment of SAD using mainstream therapeutic approaches were identified. After reviewing abstracts, data were synthesized and categorized based on the type of intervention and the targeted disorder. RESULTS: A total of 21 randomized controlled trials, involving 1037 participants, were included. The standardized mean difference of depression scores and corresponding 95 % confidence intervals were calculated to assess the efficacy of phototherapy for Seasonal Affective Disorder. The meta-analysis revealed that phototherapy was significantly more effective than other intervention groups or control therapies, with an effect size of 4.64(2.38,7.03). Subgroup analysis demonstrated that no factors could explain the significant heterogeneity observed. Phototherapy exhibited statistically significant mild to moderate therapeutic effects in alleviating depressive symptoms and can be considered as a clinical therapy for treating Seasonal Affective Disorder. However, the quality of evidence remains low, and further well-designed, larger sample size, and high-quality studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of phototherapy in treating Seasonal Affective Disorder. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our systematic review and meta-analysis indicate that bright light therapy is a promising first-line non-pharmacological treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), showing significant improvement in mood symptoms compared to placebo. The findings support the use of bright light therapy as an effective and well-tolerated intervention for SAD. However, further large-scale, multicenter randomized controlled trials with long-term follow-up are needed to assess the long-term efficacy and safety of different treatment approaches for SAD.

A possible genetic association between obesity and colon cancer in females.

Object: There is mounting clinical evidence that an increase in obesity is linked to an increase in cancer incidence and mortality. Although studies have shown a link between obesity and colon cancer, the particular mechanism of the interaction between obesity and colon cancer in females remains unknown. The goal of this work is to use bioinformatics to elucidate the genetic link between obesity and colon cancer in females and to investigate probable molecular mechanisms. Methods: GSE44076 and GSE199063 microarray datasets were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. In the two microarray datasets and healthy controls, the online tool GEO2R was utilized to investigate the differential genes between obesity and colon cancer. The differential genes (DEGs) identified in the two investigations were combined. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment studies were performed on the DEGs. The STRING database and Cytoscape software were then used to build protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks to discover hub genes. NetworkAnalyst was also used to build networks of target microRNAs (miRNAs) and hub genes, as well as networks of transcriptions. Results: Between the two datasets, 146 DEGs were shared. The DEGs are primarily enriched in inflammatory and immune-related pathways, according to GO analysis and KEGG. 14 hub genes were identified via PPI building using the Cytoscape software's MCODE and CytoNCA plug-ins: TYROBP, CD44, BGN, FCGR3A, CD53, CXCR4, FN1, SPP1, IGF1, CCND1, MMP9, IL2RG, IL6 and CTGF. Key transcription factors for these hub genes include WRNIP1, ATF1, CBFB, and NR2F6. Key miRNAs for these hub genes include hsa-mir-1-3p, hsa-mir-26b-5p, hsa-mir-164a-5p and hsa-mir-9-5p. Conclusion: Our research provides evidence that changed genes are shared by female patients with colon cancer and obesity. Through pathways connected to inflammation and the immune system, these genes play significant roles in the emergence of both diseases. We created a network between hub genes and miRNAs that target transcription factors, which may offer suggestions for future research in this area.

Comparison of stigmatizing views towards COVID-19 and mental disorders among adolescent and young adult students in China.

Objective: Infectious diseases including COVID-19 and mental disorders are two of the most common health conditions associated with stigma. However, the comparative stigma of these two conditions has received less attention in research. This study aimed to compare the prevalence of stigmatizing views toward people with COVID-19 and mental disorders and the factors associated with these views, among a large sample of adolescent and young adult students in China. Methods: A total of 9,749 adolescents and young adults aged 15-24 years completed a survey on stigmatizing attitudes toward COVID-19 and mental disorders, as well as mental health-related factors, including general mental health status and symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Multivariable linear regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with stigmatizing views. Findings: The prevalence of COVID-19 and mental disorders-related stigma was 17.2% and 40.7%, respectively. COVID-19-related stigma scores were significantly higher among male students (ß = 0.025, p < 0.05), those without quarantine experience (ß = 0.035, p < 0.001), those with lower educational level (p < 0.001), those with lower family income (p < 0.01), and those with higher PTSD symptoms (ß = 0.045, p < 0.05). Mental disorder-related stigma scores were significantly higher among individuals with average and lower-than-average levels of family income (p < 0.01), depression symptoms (ß = 0.056, p < 0.001), anxiety symptoms (ß = 0.051, p < 0.001), and mental health problems (ß = 0.027, p < 0.05). Conclusion: The stigma of mental disorders is higher in the youth population than the stigma of COVID-19. Factors associated with stigmatizing attitudes toward people with COVID-19 and mental disorders varied across the youth. Stigma-reduction interventions among the youth should be targeted specifically to COVID-19 or mental disorders conditions.

The regulatory network of the chemokine CCL5 in colorectal cancer.

The chemokine CCL5 plays a potential role in the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer (CRC). Previous studies have shown that CCL5 directly acts on tumor cells to change tumor metastatic rates. In addition, CCL5 recruits immune cells and immunosuppressive cells into the tumor microenvironment (TME) and reshapes the TME to adapt to tumor growth or increase antitumor immune efficacy, depending on the type of secretory cells releasing CCL5, the cellular function of CCL5 recruitment, and the underlying mechanisms. However, at present, research on the role played by CCL5 in the occurrence and development of CRC is still limited, and whether CCL5 promotes the occurrence and development of CRC and its role remain controversial. This paper discusses the cells recruited by CCL5 in patients with CRC and the specific mechanism of this recruitment, as well as recent clinical studies of CCL5 in patients with CRC.Key MessagesCCL5 plays dual roles in colorectal cancer progression.CCL5 remodels the tumor microenvironment to adapt to colorectal cancer tumor growth by recruiting immunosuppressive cells or by direct action.CCL5 inhibits colorectal cancer tumor growth by recruiting immune cells or by direct action.

Possible antidepressant mechanisms of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids acting on the central nervous system.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) can play important roles in maintaining mental health and resistance to stress, and omega-3 PUFAs supplementation can display beneficial effects on both the prevention and treatment of depressive disorders. Although the underlying mechanisms are still unclear, accumulated evidence indicates that omega-3 PUFAs can exhibit pleiotropic effects on the neural structure and function. Thus, they play fundamental roles in brain activities involved in the mood regulation. Since depressive symptoms have been assumed to be of central origin, this review aims to summarize the recently published studies to identify the potential neurobiological mechanisms underlying the anti-depressant effects of omega-3 PUFAs. These include that of (1) anti-neuroinflammatory; (2) hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis; (3) anti-oxidative stress; (4) anti-neurodegeneration; (5) neuroplasticity and synaptic plasticity; and (6) modulation of neurotransmitter systems. Despite many lines of evidence have hinted that these mechanisms may co-exist and work in concert to produce anti-depressive effects, the potentially multiple sites of action of omega-3 PUFAs need to be fully established. We also discussed the limitations of current studies and suggest future directions for preclinical and translational research in this field.

[Relative molecular mass distribution and monosaccharide composition of polysaccharides in Polygonatum kingianum var.grandifolium].

Polygonatum kingianum var.grandifolium, different from most Polygonatum species in biological characteristics, sprouts and blooms in spring and autumn, respectively, and it is evergreen in winter.It is difficult to learn from the patterns of other Polygonatum plants because the chemical composition in P.kingianum var.grandifolium changes with phenology, which consequently restricts the production of high-quality medicinal and eatable substances.Samples of P.kingianum var.grandifolium in different months and ages collected from Xiushan, Chongqing were analyzed for polysaccharide content, polysaccharide relative molecular mass, and mono-saccharide composition by anthrone-sulfuric acid colorimetric assay, high-performance gel-permeation chromatography, and trimethylsilane(TMS) derivatization prior to GC-MS.The results showed that the polysaccharide content and composition in the rhizome of P.kingianum var.grandifolium were closely related to the growth period.New shoot sprouting promoted the accumulation of polysaccharides, and flowering and fruiting consumed polysaccharides.The highest polysaccharide content was found in April, reaching 134.04 mg·g~(-1).Polysaccharides in P.kingianum var.grandifolium were divided into five fractions according to the weight-average M_W, i.e., P1(2.02×10~7), P2(5.09×10~6), P3(1.37×10~6), P4(4.73×10~5), and P5(5.11×10~3), and P5 had the highest content.In terms of monosaccharide composition, polysaccharides were mainly composed of fructose, glucose, galactose, mannose, xylose, and arabinose with the average molar ratio of 1.31∶1.00∶0.90∶0.53∶0.22∶0.21.The results of the study provide a scientific basis for the precise harvesting and resource utilization of P.kingianum var.grandifolium.

[Polygonati Rhizoma: a crop with potential of being consumed as food and medicine].

As revealed by the investigation on the name change, biological characteristics, artificial cultivation, and edible history of Polygonatum kingianum var. grandifolium, it was described as a variation pattern of P. kingianum in the Chinese version of Flora of China(1978) and as a variant of P. kingianum in the revised English version of the Flora of China(2000). P. kingianum var. grandifolium, long been consumed as food by local folks, has been widely cultivated in its natural distribution area and circulated as Polygonati Rhizoma in the market. The important biological properties of P. kingianum var. grandifolium make it possess a great potential of being consumed as both medicine and food. The shoots of P. kingianum var. grandifolium sprout immediately out of the ground after seed germination and a new seedling will be formed at the same year, implying that its seedling cultivation period is at least two years shorter than that of P. cyrtonema. It can sprout more than twice a year, and the adult plants always remain evergreen, thereby obtaining higher biomass. Its rhizome biomass can be more than one time higher than that of P. cyrtonema. With reference to the diploid P. cyrtonema, flow cytometry revealed the polyploid and aneuploid forms in natural populations, which were tall and light-adapted with large underground rhizome. It can grow normally under the forest canopy and in the open field. Furthermore, P. kingianum var. grandifolium has important theoretical values for the study of ploidy variation, bud dormancy mechanism, etc.

The impacts of COVID-19 outbreak on mental health in general population in different areas in China.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to explore the impacts of COVID-19 outbreak on mental health status in general population in different affected areas in China. METHODS: This was a comparative study including two groups of participants: (1) general population in an online survey in Ya'an and Jingzhou cities during the COVID-19 outbreak from 10-20 February 2020; and (2) matching general population selected from the mental health survey in Ya'an in 2019 (from January to May 2019). General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) were used. RESULTS: There were 1775 participants (Ya'an in 2019 and 2020: 537 respectively; Jingzhou in 2020: 701). Participants in Ya'an had a significantly higher rate of general health problems (GHQ scores ⩾3) in 2020 (14.7%) than in 2019 (5.2%) (p < 0.001). Compared with Ya'an (8.0%), participants in Jingzhou in 2020 had a significantly higher rate of anxiety (SAS scores ⩾50, 24.1%) (p < 0.001). Participants in Ya'an in 2020 had a significantly higher rate of depression (SDS scores ⩾53, 55.3%) than in Jingzhou (16.3%) (p < 0.001). The risk factors of anxiety symptoms included female, number of family members (⩾6 persons), and frequent outdoor activities. The risk factors of depression symptoms included participants in Ya'an and uptake self-protective measures. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of psychological symptoms has increased sharply in general population during the COVID-19 outbreak. People in COVID-19 severely affected areas may have higher scores of GHQ and anxiety symptoms. Culture-specific and individual-based psychosocial interventions should be developed for those in need during the COVID-19 outbreak.

[Quality evaluation of Polygonatum cyrtonema based on HPLC fingerprint and multi-component quantitative analysis].

The medicinal and edible Polygonatum cyrtonema is one of the original species of Polygonati Rhizoma. In this study,HPLC fingerprints for 25 batches of P. cyrtonema from 6 provinces were established. A total of 14 common peaks were identified and the similarities of the fingerprints were in the range of 0. 939-0. 999. In additon, the partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLSDA) demonstrated that the samples had low discriminability except for JX-1 and most components of them had no significant correlation with environmental factors such as longitude, latitude, and altitude. Thus, chemical composition specificity of P. cyrtonema in natural distribution areas had no obvious regularity and their variation might be induced by the local environment. This conclusion explained the lack of records about Dao-di area of Polygonati Rhizoma. However, JX-1 boasted significantly higher content of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural(HMF) and 4',5,7-trihydroxy-6,8-dimethylhomoisoflavone( HIF), thick and long inflorescence and rhizome, and extremely high yield. Therefore, excellent variety of P. cyrtonema might have great potential to improve the quality and yield of Polygonati Rhizoma. Moreover, three components of HMF, polygonalline A(PA), and HIF were identified in the fingerprint. Among them, HMF has the activities of blood rheology improvement, antioxidation, and anti-myocardial ischemia and PA is an indolizine alkaloid with potential anti-inflammatory activity. HIF, the characteristic homoisoflavone in Polygonatum, has the pharmacological activities of regulating blood glucose and anti-tumor. A quantitative analysis method can provide a theoretical basis for the improvement of the quality evaluation of Polygonati Rhizoma.

[Effects of different storage conditions on edible quality and antioxidant activity of Polygonatum cyrtonema flowers].

The flower of Polygonatum cyrtonema has good edible and medicinal values. In this study, four samples of P. cyrtonema flowers from different regions were selected as test materials. The contents, composition and antioxidant activities of lipid-soluble pigments and alcohol-soluble components were determined under different light and temperature conditions, which help to reveal the discoloration reason and the composition variation patterns during storage. The results showed that light and temperature had different effects on the lipid-soluble pigments and alcohol-soluble components in the dried flowers during storage. After storage for 4 weeks, the contents of total chlorophyll, carotenoids, phenols and saponins in the samples exposed to light respectively decreased by 62.62%, 66.4%, 68.7% and 43.4% compared with those in the dark. The decreases in the contents of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, lutein, ß-carotene and zeaxanthin were 64.64%, 56.74%, 59.2%, 77.7% and 45.4%, respectively. The contents of pigments and components in the samples stored at-20 ℃ were significantly higher than those at room temperature and 4 ℃, indicating that low temperature was conductive to the stability of lipid-soluble pigments and alcohol-soluble components. The samples stored at low temperature and in the dark had the strongest free radical scavenging activity. The results suggest that P. cyrtonema dried flowers should be stored in low temperature environment without light, which can slow down the degradation of internal components. The study provides a theoretical basis for the production, processing and storage of P. cyrtonema flowers.

Effects of Various Processing Methods on the Metabolic Profile and Antioxidant Activity of Dendrobium catenatum Lindley Leaves.

The metabolite profiles and antioxidant activity of Dendrobium catenatum Lindley leaf, a new functional ingredient for food product development, were evaluated in samples that had been prepared using various methods, including freeze-drying, hot-air drying, rolling before drying, steaming before drying, steaming and rolling before drying, and drying at 100, 80, and 60 °C. The concentrations of polysaccharides and flavonoids, as well as the antioxidant capacity of each sample, were determined. Furthermore, two nucleosides, four amino acids, one monoaromatic compound, and eight flavonoids were identified in dried leaves using high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector-electrospray ionization-multistage mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn) and ultraviolet (UV) spectral analyses. The content of polar compounds such as cytidylic acid, arginine, tyrosine, and hydroxybenzoic acid hexose increased dramatically during hot-air-drying and rolling-before-drying treatments, while flavonol C-glycosides remained stable throughout the various treatments and drying temperatures. Rolling before drying at 100 °C was identified as the most suitable process when manufacturing tea products from D. catenatum leaves. This process resulted in a high-antioxidant-activity and visually appealing tea. This report details a potential strategy that should be applied in the manufacturing processes of high-quality products from D. catenatum leaves.

Relationship between classroom lighting and poor vision of students in primary and secondary schools in Tianjin / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To investigate the relationship between classroom lighting and poor vision of students in primary and secondary schools in Tianjin, and to provide reference for targeted prevention measures for comprehensive school eye health programmes.@*Methods@#A total of 623 classrooms and 24 713 students in 89 primary and secondary schools in Tianjin were selected using stratified cluster sampling method in Sep.to Oct. of 2020. The illuminometer was used to monitor the lighting environment of the classroom, and the standard logarithmic vision light box was used to detect the naked eye vision of students. Chisquare test, variance analysis and binary Logistic regression were used in SPSS software.@*Results@#Rate of low vision among primary and secondary school students in Tianjin was 67.86%. The qualification rate of blackboard reflectance, blackboard average illumination, blackboard illumination uniformity, desk average illumination and desk illumination uniformity were 58.11%, 53.13%, 73.19%, 66.61% and 75.12%, respectively. Univariate analyses showed that the blackboard reflectance, blackboard average illumination, desk average illumination, and desk illumination uniformity were associated with low vision among students(χ 2=311.29, 62.54, 61.71, 6.59, P<0.05). Multivariable Logistic regression analysis showed that blackboard reflectance, average illumination of blackboard and desk were associated with higher risk of poor vision[OR(95%CI)=1.19(1.11-1.27),1.27(1.17-1.37),1.11(1.02-1.20), P<0.05].@*Conclusion@#Prevalence of low vision among primary and secondary school students in Tianjin is relatively high. Blackboard reflectance, average illumination of blackboard and desk are the important determinants for poor vision of primary and secondary school students. Creating effective classroom lighting scheme is crucial for vision health among students.

Multiple recurrent cystic echinococcosis with abdominal aortic involvement: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent cystic echinococcosis (CE) with vital organ involvement is a challenge for clinicians. Herein, we report a case of aortic involvement in recurrent retroperitoneal CE lesions following primary splenic CE resection. CASE SUMMARY: A 60-year-old male was admitted due to progressive abdominal pain and poor appetite. He was diagnosed with multiple recurrent CE with abdominal aortic involvement according to preoperative evaluation. During surgical resection, major aortic bleeding accidentally occurred while dissecting the cyst, which was firmly attached to the abdominal aortic wall. Hemostasis attempts were conducted to deal with this emergency situation and maintain circulation. Post-interventional recovery was uneventful, and 2-year follow-up showed no sign of recurrence or any other complications. CONCLUSION: Radical resection of recurrent complicated CE with aortic involvement should be carefully planned and performed to prevent possible severe adverse complications, thereby improving the postoperative outcome.

[Main nutrients and functional ingredients in flowers of Polygonatum cyrtonema and P. filipes].

To reveal the main nutrients and functional ingredients in the flowers of Polygonatum cyrtonema and P. filipes, the content of the polysaccharides, saponins, amino acids, total phenols, mineral elements, and the DPPH free radical scavenging rates were determined. The flowers and rhizomes of P. cyrtonema were collected from Qingyang in Anhui and Qingyuan in Zhejiang, while the flowers and rhizomes of P. filipes were collected from Longyou in Zhejiang, respectively. The results showed that the polysaccharides content in flowers varied from 60.88 to 97.00 mg·g~(-1), about half of that in rhizomes. The saponins content in flowers varied from 32.55 to 40.93 mg·g~(-1), which was close to the content in rhizomes. The content of total phenols ranged from 40.79 to 50.95 mg·g~(-1), approximately 4.5 times of that in rhizomes. The total amino acids content in flowers was 111.85 to 131.03 mg·g~(-1), about 2.3 times of the content in rhizomes. The essential trace element content was abundant in flowers. The contents of heavy metal elements were all within the limits set by the standards. The DPPH free radical scavenging rate IC_(50) varied from 1.77 to 3.25 mg·mL~(-1), less than one-fifth of that in rhizomes, showing a significant superiority of antioxidant activity compared to rhizomes. The results initially revealed the fundamental of "the flowers exceed the rhizomes in effect", the common saying about the traditional Chinese medicinal herbs over the years, indicating a great developing potential of the flowers. Besides, as polysaccharides, saponins, amino acids, total phenols and other nutritive substances in flowers differ widely among species and provenances, it's important to develop variety breeding to improve the quality and yield of flowers.

[Main nutrients and functional ingredients in shoots of Polygonatum cyrtonema].

In order to reveal the main nutrients and functional ingredients in the shoots of Polygonatum cyrtonema, the polysaccharides, proteins, amino acids, and total phenols were determined. The tested samples cultured in Ma'nijiaonong, Hengtang village, Tianmushan town, Lin'an, Zhejiang, which were collected from three provenances(Pan'an and Longquan in Zhejiang and Qingyang in Anhui). The results showed that the polysaccharide content of the shoots varied from 2.34% to 12.73%, roughly one-third of rhizomes. The protein content varied from 107.75 to 192.49 mg·g~(-1), nearly 5.50 times more than rhizomes. Moreover, the average of total amino acid content was 193.13-248.74 mg·g~(-1), approximately 4.16 times of rhizomes. And the essential amino acids account for 35.57%-39.44% of the total amino acids content, which was close to the standard of the ideal protein proposed by FAO/WHO(the essential amino acid/total amino acid is about 40%). In addition, the taste amino acids(TaAA) changed from 160.12 to 208.29 mg·g~(-1), revealing the material basis of "shoots were extremely delicious" in Chinese ancient herbal medicine. Additionally, the total phenols varied from 51.21-58.76 mg·g~(-1), about 2.96 times of rhizomes. The DPPH free radical scavenging rate of tested shoots was over 95%, which obviously superior to rhizomes. Therefore, the shoots of P. cyrtonema is a very high-quality vegetable and functional food with good development potential. Furthermore, the main nutrients and functional substances in P. cyrtonema shoots are closely related to the provenances and harvesting seasons. It is important to improve the quality and yield of the shoots by strengthening the variety of breeding and cultivation techniques.

[Changes of pigment components in Dendrobium catenatum flower under different storage conditions].

The flower color of Dendrobium catenatum(D. officinale) tends to fade during storage. In order to clarify the influence of storage conditions on the pigment components in flowers, two conditions were applied:temperature and illumination. The contents of pigments in the D. catenatum flower were determined by UV-Vis spectrophotometry and HPLC, and the changes of them during storage were analyzed. The results showed that illumination and temperature had an effect on the pigments of D. catenatum flower during sto-rage. Illumination significantly promoted the degradation of pigments. The contents of total chlorophyll, carotenoids and anthocyanins in the light samples were significantly lower than those in the dark. The total chlorophyll, carotenoids and anthocyanins in the light samples were decreased by 46.5%, 63.4%, and 69.2% respectively. Illumination had a greater effect on fat-soluble pigments than water-soluble pigments. Among the three temperature treatments, the contents of chlorophyll, carotenoid and anthocyanin were as follows:-20 ℃>4 ℃>room temperature, it is indicated that-20 ℃ was the best temperature to maintain the stability of pigment composition. The contents of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, ß-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin in the light samples decreased by 34.8%, 69.0%, 72.5%, 61.6%, 36.1%, respectively. After storage for 5 months, the contents of chlorophyll, carotenoid and anthocyanin constituent at-20 ℃ was significantly higher than those at 4 ℃ and room temperature. The results show that light avoiding and low-temperature can effectively slow down the degradation of pigment components. Therefore, it is suggested that D. catenatum flower should be stored in light avoiding and low-temperature conditions in actual production and processing, which can prolong the usable time.

[Study on quantification method of non-starch polysaccharides in Dendrobium catenatum].

The non-starch polysaccharides,mainly composed of glucomannans,are the major bioactive compounds in Dendrobium catenatum. In order to evaluate the quality of the medicinal materials and guide the production and processing,a quantification method of non-starch polysaccharides was established by stems of D. catenatum C15 strain collected from the pear epiphytic cultivation. The non-starch polysaccharides were obtained by " water extraction,α-amylase pretreatment,and alcohol precipitation once" method. The contents of starches,non-starch polysaccharides and monosaccharides were analyzed. In addition,the system suitability was tested. Compared with method of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia( 2015 edition),the contents of total polysaccharides,glucose,and mannose were decreased by 20. 9%,58. 8% and 1. 6% respectively. The method effectively digested starch and retained non-starch polysaccharides,and the analysis result was accurate and repeatable. Therefore,it is suitable for the content measurement of non-starch polysaccharides of D. catenatum. Furthermore,it could be an alternative method for quality control of D. catenatum and a reference in the determination of non-starch polysaccharides in other starch-containing medicinal materials.

[Composition analysis and antioxidant activity of polysaccharide from Hibiscus syriacus].

The flower of Hibiscus syriacus has good ornamental and edible-medicinal values.In this study,four samples of two varieties,namely white multiple petals flower and pink multiple petals flower,were selected as test materials.And the optimum extraction conditions,relative molecular weight,monosaccharide composition and antioxidant activity of polysaccharides in flower were investigated.Through single factor experiment and response surface,the optimal extract conditions of polysaccharide were designed as follows:extraction temperature at 96.8℃,ratio of material to liquid of 43.5∶1 m L·g~(-1),extraction time of 3.1 h.Polysaccharides of H.syriacus flowers were analyzed by high performance gel chromatography.The average molecular masses of the 4 polysaccharide samples were1.49×10~5,1.25×10~5,1.01×10~5,1.37×10~5,respectively.Polysaccharides of H.syriacus flowers were mainly composed of glucose,mannose,galactose,rhamnose and arabinose by pre-column derivatization HPLC.The ratio of galactose was the highest in five monosaccharide,and the ratio of galactose to glucose was 1.656-4.496.In addition,crude polysaccharides of H.syriacus flowers showed potential antioxidant activity by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical(DPPH)assay,total reducing capacity assay and ABTS assay in vitro,and its antioxidant effect showed a good dose-effect relationship with the concentration of crude polysaccharides.Among the tested varieties,polysaccharides of pink multiple petals flower and white multiple petals flower had the same molecular masses and monosaccharides composition,but the antioxidant activity of the polysaccharides of pink multiple petals flower was higher than that of the white flowers.The results of this study can provide a theoretical basis for the application of H.syriacus flower in the field of functional foods.

Upregulation of PITX2 Promotes Letrozole Resistance Via Transcriptional Activation of IFITM1 Signaling in Breast Cancer Cells.

PURPOSE: Although the interferon α (IFNα) signaling and the paired-like homeodomain transcription factor 2 (PITX2) have both been implicated in the progression of breast cancer (BCa), it remains obscure whether these two pathways act in a coordinated manner. We therefore aimed to elucidate the expression and function of PITX2 during the pathogenesis of endocrine resistance in BCa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PITX2 expression was assessed in BCa tissues using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and immunohistochemistry and in experimentally induced letrozole-resistant BCa cells using RT-qPCR and immunoblotting. Effects of PITX2 deregulation on BCa progression was determined by assessing MTT, apoptosis and xenograft model. Finally, using multiple assays, the transcriptional regulation of interferon-inducible transmembrane protein 1 (IFITM1) by PITX2 was studied at both molecular and functional levels. RESULTS: PITX2 expression was induced in letrozole-resistant BCa tissues and cells, and PITX2 induction by IFNα signaling powerfully protected BCa cells against letrozole insult and potentiated letrozole-resistance. Mechanistically, PITX2 enhanced IFNα-induced AKT activation by transactivating the transcription of IFITM1, thus rendering BCa cells unresponsive to letrozoleelicited cell death. Additionally, ablation of IFITM1 expression using siRNA substantially abolished IFNα-elicited AKT phosphorylation, even in the presence of PITX2 overexpression, thus sensitizing BCa cells to letrozole treatment. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that constitutive upregulation of PITX2/IFITM1 cascade is an intrinsic adaptive mechanism during the pathogenesis of letrozole-resistance, and modulation of PITX2/IFITM1 level using different genetic and pharmacological means would thus have a novel therapeutic potential against letrozole resistance in BCa.