[CiteSpace knowledge mapping of traditional Chinese medicine in treatment of premature ovarian failure].

This study aimed to investigate the research trend of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) against premature ovarian fai-lure(POF) from 1989 to 2021 by bibliometrics and explore the research status, research hotspots, and advances in international co-operation, knowledge structure, and active topics.The research articles on POF published from database inception to December 28, 2021, were retrieved from Web of Science and China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI) and visually analyzed for countries, journals, authors, institutions, and keywords by CiteSpace 5.8.R3.A total of 1 468 articles were included, including 217 in English and 1 251 in Chinese.Since 1989, there has been an overall upward trend in the number of articles, with China serving as the main contributor.The core authors of Chinese articles are from a cooperative team represented by FENG Yi-xuan, REN Yu-lan, LING Le-le, and TENG Xiu-xiang.BETTERLE C is the author with the highest number of published articles in this international research field.The articles are mainly published by TCM journals and universities, and Human Reproduction accounts for the highest proportion of publications in the international research(11 articles, 5.07%).In the retrieved research articles, the research contents mainly focus on the treatment methods, research methods, and mechanism of action of TCM in the treatment of POF, where "Zuogui Pills" "gene" "cell" "model" "expression", etc.are the current research hotspots. "Acupuncture" "data mining" "systematic review" "oxidative stress" "activation" may be the potential topics in the follow-up research development.Future development should focus on the scientific interpretation and analysis of the theory and practice of TCM by modern scientific and technological methods.The research on informatization, digitization, and knowledge of TCM theory and practice is pivotal to promoting the internationalization and modernization of TCM, which can help researchers explore new directions for future research and identify new perspectives for potential collaboration in the field.

Protective Effect of Tuna Bioactive Peptide on Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis in Mice.

Bioactive peptides isolated from marine organisms have shown to have potential anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to investigate the intestinal protection effect of low molecular peptides (Mw < 1 kDa) produced through enzymatic hydrolysis of tuna processing waste (tuna bioactive peptides (TBP)) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in BALB/c mice. Here, we randomly divided twenty-four male BALB/c mice into four groups: (i) normal (untreated), (ii) DSS-induced model colitis, (iii) low dose TBP+DSS-treated (200 mg/kg/d), and (iv) high dose TBP+DSS-treated groups (500 mg/kg/d). The results showed that TBP significantly reduced mice weight loss and improved morphological and pathological characteristics of colon tissues. In addition, it increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and GSH-Px) and decreased inflammatory factors (LPS, IL-6, and TNF-α) expression. TBP increased the gene expression levels of some tight junction (TJ) proteins. Moreover, TBP increased the short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) levels and the diversity and imbalance of intestinal flora. Therefore, TBP plays some protective roles in the intestinal tract by enhancing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory abilities of the body, improving the intestinal barrier and metabolic abnormalities, and adjusting intestinal flora imbalance.

Protective Effects of Pretreatment with Quercetin Against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Apoptosis and the Inhibition of Osteoblast Differentiation via the MAPK and Wnt/ß-Catenin Pathways in MC3T3-E1 Cells.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Quercetin, a flavonoid found in onions and other vegetables, has potential inhibitory effects on bone resorption in vivo and in vitro. In our previous study, we found that quercetin treatment reversed lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inhibition of osteoblast differentiation through the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway in MC3T3-E1 cells. In this study, we investigated the underlying mechanisms of pretreatment with quercetin on apoptosis and the inhibition of osteoblast differentiation in MC3T3-E1 cells induced by LPS. METHODS: MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts were treated with quercetin for 2 h; cells were then incubated with LPS in the presence of quercetin for the indicated times. Cell viability was measured using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, and cell apoptosis was evaluated using Hoechst 33258 staining. The mRNA expression levels of osteoblast-specific genes, Bax and caspase-3 were determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Protein levels of osteoblast-specific genes, caspase-3, Bax, cytochrome c, Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, phosphorylated MAPKs and Wnt/ß-catenin were measured using Western blot assays. The MAPK and Wnt/ß-catenin signalling pathways were blocked prior to pretreatment with quercetin. RESULTS: Pretreatment with quercetin significantly restored LPS-suppressed bone mineralization and the mRNA and protein expression levels of osteoblast-specific genes such as Osterix (OSX), runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteocalcin (OCN) in a dose-dependent manner. Pretreatment with quercetin also inhibited osteoblast apoptosis, significantly restored the down-regulated expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL and decreased the upregulated expression of caspase-3, Bax, and cytochrome c in MC3T3-E1 cells induced by LPS. Furthermore, pretreatment with quercetin not only decreased the abundance of phosphorylated p38 MAPK and increased the abundance of phosphorylated extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK), but also triggered the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway through enhancing expression of Wnt3 and ß-catenin. Pretreatment with MAPK inhibitors or the Wnt/ß-catenin inhibitor XAV939 blocked the protective effects of quercetin against LPS-induced apoptosis and the inhibition of osteoblast differentiation. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that pretreatment with quercetin may be a potential drug for preventing abnormal human bone loss induced by LPS in bacteria-induced bone diseases.

Potential unfavorable impacts of BDNF Val66Met polymorphisms on metabolic risks in average population in a longevous area.

BACKGROUND: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been implicated in cognitive performance and the modulation of several metabolic parameters in some disease models, but its potential roles in successful aging remain unclear. We herein sought to define the putative correlation between BDNF Val66Met and several metabolic risk factors including BMI, blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and lipid levels in a long-lived population inhabiting Hongshui River Basin in Guangxi. METHODS: BDNF Val66Met was typed by ARMS-PCR for 487 Zhuang long-lived individuals (age ≥ 90, long-lived group, LG), 593 of their offspring (age 60-77, offspring group, OG) and 582 ethnic-matched healthy controls (aged 60-75, control group, CG) from Hongshui River Basin. The correlations of genotypes with metabolic risks were then determined. RESULTS: As a result, no statistical difference was observed on the distribution of allelic and genotypic frequencies of BDNF Val66Met among the three groups (all P > 0.05) except that AA genotype was dramatically higher in females than in males of CG. The HDL-C level of A allele (GA/AA genotype) carriers was profoundly lower than was non-A (GG genotype) carriers in the total population and the CG (P = 0.009 and 0.006, respectively), which maintained in females, hyperglycemic and normolipidemic subgroup of CG after stratification by gender, BMI, glucose and lipid status. Furthermore, allele A carriers, with a higher systolic blood pressure, exhibited 1.63 folds higher risk than non-A carriers to be overweight in CG (OR = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.05 - 2.55, P = 0.012). Multiple regression analysis displayed that the TC level of LG reversely associated with BDNF Val66Met genotype. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggested that BDNF 66Met may play unfavorable roles in blood pressure and lipid profiles in the general population in Hongshui River area which might in part underscore their poorer survivorship versus the successful aging individuals and their offspring.

Protection of Momordica charantia polysaccharide against intracerebral hemorrhage-induced brain injury through JNK3 signaling pathway.

It has been well documented that Momordica charantia polysaccharide (MCP) has multiple biological effects such as immune enhancement, anti-oxidation and anti-cancer. However, the potential protective effects of MCP on stroke damage and its relative mechanisms remain unclear. Our present study demonstrated that MCP could scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) in intra-cerebral hemorrhage damage, significantly attenuating the neuronal death induced by thrombin in primary hippocampal neurons. Furthermore, we found that MCP prevented the activation of the c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK3), c-Jun and caspase-3, which was caused by the intra-cerebral hemorrhage injury. Taken together, our study demonstrated that MCP had a neuroprotective effect in response to intra-cerebral hemorrhage and its mechanisms involved the inhibition of JNK3 signaling pathway.

Analysis of Risk Factors for Intraoperative Bleeding in the Surgical Treatment of Cesarean Scar Pregnancy and Development of Predictive Models.

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the risk factors associated with cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) and to develop a model for predicting intraoperative bleeding risk. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 208 patients with CSP who were admitted to the People's Hospital of Leshan between January 2018 and December 2022. Based on whether intraoperative bleeding was ≥ 200 mL, we categorized them into two groups for comparative analysis: the excessive bleeding group (n = 27) and the control group (n = 181). Identifying relevant factors, we constructed a prediction model and created a nomogram. Results: We observed that there were significant differences between the two groups in several parameters. These included the time of menstrual cessation (P = 0.002), maximum diameter of the gestational sac (P < 0.001), thickness of the myometrium at the uterine scar (P = 0.001), pre-treatment blood HCG levels (P = 0.016), and the grade of blood flow signals (P < 0.001). We consolidated the above data and constructed a clinical prediction model. The model exhibited favorable results in terms of predictive efficacy, discriminative ability (C-index = 0.894, specificity = 0.834, sensitivity = 0.852), calibration precision (mean absolute error = 0.018), and clinical decision-making utility, indicating its effectiveness. Conclusion: The clinical prediction model related to the risk of hemorrhage that we developed in this experiment can assist in the development of appropriate interventions and effectively improve patient prognosis.

A Meta-analysis of the Risk Factors for Stroke-associated Pneumonia.

This study aimed to conduct a meta-analysis to assess the possible risk factors of stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP). A comprehensive search of PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane Library was gathered from 2000 to April 2022. A case-control study evaluating the risk factors of SAP was selected. The major finding of this study was that dysphagia, atrial fibrillation, gender, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension were risk factors that determine the development of SAP. The random-effects strategy was used to highlight study-specific outcomes. Only 14 papers out of 651 met the criteria for inclusion and were included in the study. The quality of this study was generally excellent. Risk factors associated with SAP were gender (pooled OR 1.48,95% CI 1.18-1.85), dysphagia (pooled OR 2.61, 95% CI 1.97-3.46), atrial fibrillation (pooled OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.68-2.57), diabetes mellitus (pooled OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.17-1.49), hypertension (pooled OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.05-1.34). This research is crucial because some risk factors are easily recognised, and patients with one or more of these risk factors were developing SAP. Disorders such as dysphagia, atrial fibrillation, diabetes, and hypertension should be addressed and managed to reduce the incidence of SAP conundrums. Key Words: Ischemic stroke, Pneumonia, Risk factor.

Peroxiredoxin-6 Released by Astrocytes Contributes to Neuroapoptosis During Ischemia.

Peroxiredoxin-6 (PRDX6), a member of the peroxiredoxin family, has progressively emerged as a possible therapeutic target for a variety of brain diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease and ischemic stroke. However, the role of PRDX6 in neurons under ischemic conditions has remained elusive. Here, we found that astrocytes could release PRDX6 extracellularly after OGD/R, and that PRDX6 release actually worsened neuroapoptosis under OGD/R. We discovered a unique PRDX6/RAGE/JNK signaling pathway that contributes to the effect of neuroapoptosis. We applied a specific inhibitor of the RAGE signaling pathway in a mouse MCAO model and observed significant alterations in animal behavior. Considered together, our findings show the crucial role of the astrocyte-released PRDX6 in the process of neuroapoptosis caused by OGD/R, and could provide novel insights for investigating the molecular mechanism of protecting brain function from ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Overexpression of tousled-like kinase 2 predicts poor prognosis in HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma patients after radical resection.

Background: Tousled-like kinase 2 (TLK2) is integral to DNA repair, replication, and cell cycle regulation, crucial for maintaining genome stability and integrity. However, the expression and prognostic value of TLK2 in hepatitis B viral (HBV) -related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. Methods: We examined TLK2 expression and prognostic implications in pan-cancer by using diverse databases. Subsequently, TLK2 expression in HBV-related HCC tissues and adjacent tissues was assessed using quantitative real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. The prognostic value of TLK2 was assessed through ROC curves, time-dependent ROC curves, Cox regression, Kaplan-Meier curve, and decision curve analysis. Additionally, analyses of immune infiltration, protein-protein interactions, key molecules of tumor-related signaling pathways, molecular subtypes, and TLK2-associated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were conducted, along with GO/KEGG and GSEA enrichment analyses. Results: TLK2 expression was significantly higher in HCC tissues compared to adjacent tissues and correlated with gender, AFP levels, albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade, microvascular invasion (MVI), maximum tumor diameter, tumor number, and TNM stage. TLK2 overexpression emerged as an independent risk factor for overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) in HBV-related HCC patients. An integrated OS nomogram model, incorporating TLK2, age, ALBI grade, MVI, and tumor number, displayed enhanced prognostic capability (C-index: 0.765, 95% CI: 0.732-0.798) in predicting OS and has a higher net benefit than the TNM stage. Moreover, TLK2 expression correlated closely with immune cell infiltration and key molecules of signaling pathways. Functional enrichment analyses highlighted significant associations with DNA duplex unwinding, double-strand break repair, DNA replication, cell cycle, E2F targets, G2M checkpoint, and MYC targets V1. Conclusion: TLK2 is notably overexpressed in HBV-related HCC and emerges as a promising prognostic biomarker, necessitating further validation.

Adaptive laboratory evolution and shuffling of Escherichia coli to enhance its tolerance and production of astaxanthin.

BACKGROUND: Astaxanthin is one of the strongest antioxidants in nature and has been widely used in aquaculture, food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Numerous stresses caused in the process of a large scale-culture, such as high acetate concentration, high osmolarity, high level of reactive oxygen species, high glucose concentration and acid environment, etc., limit cell growth to reach the real high cell density, thereby affecting astaxanthin production. RESULTS: We developed an adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) strategy to enhance the production of chemicals by improving strain tolerance against industrial fermentation conditions. This ALE strategy resulted in 18.5% and 53.7% increases in cell growth and astaxanthin production in fed-batch fermentation, respectively. Whole-genome resequencing showed that 65 mutations with amino acid substitution were identified in 61 genes of the shuffled strain Escherichia coli AST-4AS. CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) and activation (CRISPRa) revealed that the shuffled strain with higher astaxanthin production may be associated with the mutations of some stress response protein genes, some fatty acid biosynthetic genes and rppH. Repression of yadC, ygfI and rcsC, activation of rnb, envZ and recC further improved the production of astaxanthin in the shuffled strain E. coli AST-4AS. Simultaneous deletion of yadC and overexpression of rnb increased the production of astaxanthin by 32% in the shuffled strain E. coli AST-4AS. CONCLUSION: This ALE strategy will be powerful in engineering microorganisms for the high-level production of chemicals.

Circ-NCX1 inhibits LPS-induced chondrocyte apoptosis by regulating the miR-133a/SIRT1 axis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease, which is characterized by the degeneration of articular cartilage, thickening of subchondral bone, and inflammation of the synovial membrane. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of circ-NCX1 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced injury in SW1353 chondrocytes, an in vitro model of OA. The levels of circ-NCX1, miR-133a, and related apoptotic proteins were determined by RT-qPCR. MTT assay was used to evaluate the cell viability. The apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry, whereas the expression of apoptosis proteins was detected by Western blot. Immunofluorescence was used to detect cleaved caspase-3 expression in cells. Luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the interaction between circ-NCX1 and miR-133a, and between miR-133a and Silent information regulator 2 homolog 1 (Sirt1). The results showed that the overexpression of circ-NCX1 significantly upregulated the chondrocyte viability and proliferation, and alleviated apoptosis in LPS-induced SW1353 cells. Immunofluorescence results showed that the overexpression of circ-NCX1 significantly reduced expression of LPS-stimulated cleaved Caspase-3. The RT-qPCR results showed that the overexpression of circ-NCX1 inhibited mRNA levels of cleaved Caspase-3 and Bax, and promoted mRNA levels of Bcl-2. Luciferase reporter assay showed that circ-NCX1 targeted miR-133a, and miR-133a directly targeted the Sirt1. In addition, overexpression of circ-NCX1 inhibited chondrocyte apoptosis and promoted Akt phosphorylation via the miR-133a/Sirt1 axis in LPS-induced chondrocytes. In conclusion, circ-NCX1 may serve as an important regulator of LPS-induced chondrocyte apoptosis through the miR-133a/Sirt1 axis, and may be involved in the development of OA.

[Clinical research of Pinggan Jiangya decoction combined with penetrating needling at Baihui (GV20) in a period of day from 7 am to 9 am in the treatment of grade 1 and 2 essential hypertension].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical effect of Pinggan Jiangya decoction combined with penetrating needling at Baihui (GV20) in a period of day from 7 am to 9 am in the treatment of grade 1 and 2 essential hypertension (EH). METHODS: A total of 150 cases of grade 1 and 2 EH patients were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 75 cases in each group. In the control group, Pinggan Jiangya decoction was prescribed for oral administration one dose a day, while in the observation group, on the basis of the treatment as the control group, penetrating needling was exerted at GV20 once daily. The treatment duration was 8 weeks. Before and after treatment, the TCM syndrome score, 24 h average systolic blood pressure (24 h ASBP), 24 h average diastolic blood pressure (24 h ADBP), 24 h average pulse pressure difference (24 h PP), morning blood pressure surge (MBPS), 24 h SBP variability (24 h SBPV), 24 h DBP variability (24 h DBPV), serum levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and melatonin (MT) were compared in the patients of the two groups. The clinical therapeutic effect was observed in the two groups. RESULTS: After the treatment, in the self-comparison of each group, the scores of headache, vertigo, backache, soft knees, tinnitus, 24 h ASBP， 24 h ADBP, 24 h PP, MBPS, 24 h SBPV and 24 h DBPV in the two groups were lower than those before treatment (P<0.01), and the above indexes in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.01). The level of serum 5-HT after the treatment was lower than that of before the treatment (P<0.01), while the level of MT was higher than that of before the treatment (P<0.01) in both two groups, and the level of 5-HT in the observation group was lower than that of the control group, while the level of MT was higher than that of the control group (P<0.01). The total effective rate of the observation group was 93.3% (70/75), better than 76.0% (57/75) of the control group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Pinggan Jiangya decoction combined with penetrating needling at GV20 in a period of day from 7 am to 9 am can regulate the levels of serum MT and 5-HT, effectively reduce blood pressure, improve blood pressure variability, control morning peak blood pressure, and has a remarkable effect in the treatment of grade 1 and 2 EH.

Description of three new species of the leafhopper genus Idioscopus Baker, (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Eurymelinae) from Yunnan, China.

Three new species of the leafhopper genus Idioscopus Baker, 1915 from China: I. furcaprocessus sp. nov., I. longiprocessus sp. nov., and I. serratastylus sp. nov. are described and photographed based on specimens collected in Yunnan Province of southern China. These three new species can be recognised mainly by the coloration and male genitalia.

Effect of Dietary Forage: Concentrate Ratio on Pre-Caecal and Total Digestive Tract Digestibility of Diverse Feedstuffs in Donkeys as Measured by the Mobile Nylon Bag Technique.

The domestic donkey is a unique equid species with specific nutritional requirements, however, limited laboratory evidences are available to address the digestibility contribution of the prececum in relation to the total digestive tract. In the present study, six caecum-fistulated adult female Xinjiang donkeys served as the experimental animals in a 3 × 3 Latin square design, and mobile nylon bag technique was applied to determine the effect of dietary F:C ratio on pre-caececum and total digestive tract digestibility of rice straw, alfalfa hay, corn meal, and soybean meal. The dietary treatments included: (1) HF, a high-fiber ration (F:C = 80:20), (2) MF, a medium-fiber ration (F:C = 55:45), and (3), LF, a low-fiber ration (F:C = 35:65). The experiment consisted of three consecutive Latin square periods, and each period lasted 25 days. In each period, the animals were administrated naso-gastrically nylon bags (38 µm pore size) containing aforementioned feeds. After 1.5 h intubation, the bags were checked once an hour and collected at the ileo-caecal junction (small intestine bag, D1) and in the feces (fecal bag, D2). Regardless whatever feeds were introduced, the percentage of bag collected (BC) was quadratically (HF) or linearly (MF and LF) increased against different fixed bag collection time. The highest BC occurred in MF (73.8%), but no significant difference was observed between HF (62.3%) and LF (50.8%). The lowest mean bag retention time was observed in HF (2.7 h), and no significant difference occurred between MF (4.6 h) and LF (5.0 h) diets. For each feed, D1 and D2 digestibility for DM, CP, NDF, and ADF did not differ among three dietary treatments (p > 0.05). Regardless of whatever diets were fed to the donkeys, D2 digestibility for DM and CP among the feeds ranked as: soybean meal > corn meal > alfalfa hay > rice straw (p < 0.01). D1 digestibility for DM among the feeds ranked as: corn meal > soybean meal > alfalfa hay > rice straw (p < 0.01). D1 digestibility for CP among the feeds ranked as: soybean meal > corn meal > alfalfa hay > rice straw (p < 0.01). In summary, dietary forage: concentrate ratio did not affect pre-caecal or total tract nutrient digestibility. The fiber level in feeds was the main limiting factor to affect the digestibility contribution of the pre-caecum in relation to the total digestive tract.

Effect of Dietary Forage/Concentrate Ratio on Nutrient Digestion and Energy and Protein Metabolism in Adult Donkeys.

The domestic donkey is a unique equid species with specific nutritional requirements; however, limited feeding studies have been addressed so far to understand nutrient digestion and metabolism in donkeys. In the present study, six adult female Xinjiang donkeys (180 ± 10 kg live weight) were applied in a 3 × 3 Latin square design to investigate the effect of the forage/concentrate ratio (F/C) in three experimental diets on N and energy balance within 12 weeks. Rice straw and alfalfa hay were chosen as forage ingredients, and the diets included the following: (1) a high-fiber (HF) ration (F/C = 80:20), (2) a medium-fiber (MF) ration (F/C = 55:45), and (3) a low-fiber (LF) ration (35:45). After the fixed amount of diets were daily allowed to the animals, total feces and urine were collected to determine total tract digestibility, N and energy balance. As a result, dry matter intake did not differ among the three diet groups. Decreasing the dietary F/C significantly promoted protein digestibility and decreased fiber digestibility. The N and energy balance analysis showed that increasing the F/C remarkably (p < 0.01) decreased N retention through the increase in N excretion in urine, and the highest N loss relative to N intake was observed in MF. Meanwhile, decreasing the F/C linearly increased the conversion efficiency of digestible energy to metabolizable energy. Taken together, the results obtained in the present study implicated that the dietary forage level should not be less than 55% to maintain greater N and energy utilization in feeding practice, otherwise, a donkey's N utilization might be highly discounted.

M10, a Myricetin-3-O-b-D-Lactose Sodium Salt, Prevents Ulcerative Colitis Through Inhibiting Necroptosis in Mice.

BACKGROUND: M10 is a derivative of Myricetin by adding a hydrophilic glycosylation group. Our previous study revealed that M10 by oral administration prevented colitis-associated colonic cancer (CAC) through attenuating endoplasmic reticulum stress in mice. In current study, we evaluated the inhibitory effects of M10 on ulcerative colitis in mice model, the mechanism of M10 in preventing colitis was further investigated. METHODS: Mice model of ulcerative colitis was induced by continuous oral dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). M10 was given gavage once a day for 12 consecutive weeks. Disease activity index (DAI) was recorded by analyzing the symptoms of colitis. Intestinal barrier was analyzed by the Immunofluorescence staining assay. The structure of microvilli of intestinal epithelial cells was analyzed under Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). TEM assay was also performed to determine the formation of necroptosis in the colonic epithelium with ulcerative colitis. We performed Western blotting assay to analyze the IL-6 and NF-κB pathways, as well as the cytokine cascades related to TNF-α signaling pathway during necroptosis. RESULTS: M10 by oral administration demonstrated a prevention of ulcerative colitis, showing a significant decrease of DAI as compared to the model mice. Pathological analysis indicated that M10 attenuated the degree of colonic inflammation in colonic tissues. M10 restored the structures of intestinal barrier damaged by DSS. M10 prevented the activation of the IL-6 and NF-κB signaling pathways in the inflamed colonic epithelium. Further, M10 prevented necroptosis in the inflamed colonic mucosal cells through down-regulating the TNF-α pathway. Importantly, M10 demonstrated higher activities in preventing ulcerative colitis than Myricetin and control drug Mesalazine. CONCLUSIONS: Myricetin derivative M10 prevents chronic ulcerative colitis through inhibiting necroptosis. M10 could be developed as a promising drug for the treatment of chronic ulcerative colitis.

[Source Profiles of Industrial Emission-Based VOCs in Chengdu].

The volatile organic compound (VOC) emission characteristics of various production procedures were analyzed through GC-MS after the emissions of typical enterprises such as automobile manufacturing, petrochemical, and other industries had been sampled with SUMMA canisters. Each production procedure in the automobile manufacturing and petrochemical industries was considered. The results showed that each automobile manufacturing procedure had its own dominant species, and alkanes (32%) and aromatics (35%) were the main emission species of coating spraying. The emission characteristics of furniture manufacturing were highly correlated with the raw materials, and the VOC emission species were mainly composed of aromatics (50%) and oxygenated VOCs (OVOCs) (38%). As for the petrochemical industry, VOC concentrations in various process plant areas ranged from 49 µg·m-3 to 1387 µg·m-3. As the main products of the refining area were C5-C9 gasoline and benzene series, whereas comparatively more solvents were used in the chemical area, which would generate alkene products, VOC concentrations greatly differed in the various process plant areas. In terms of electronic manufacturing, OVOCs were the main emission species, accounting for more than 50% of total VOCs. Alkanes and OVOCs were the main contributors to VOC emissions in shoemaking, accounting for 52% and 36% on average, respectively, which was strongly related to the species of the used solvents. The VOC emission species of automobile manufacturing were quite different, predominantly including n-dodecane and 2-butanone. The emission species of furniture manufacturing mainly included styrene, ethyl acetate, m/p-xylene, etc., which are typical species of coatings and diluents. As for the differences in the emission species of process plant areas in the petrochemical industry, styrene was the main species in the refining area, 1,3-butadiene in the chemical area, C3-C5 alkanes in the storage area, and C6-C8 alkanes in the wastewater treatment area. The main emission species of electronic manufacturing were ethanol, acetone, and other aldehyde ketone species. The emission species of shoemaking enterprises are mainly C5 and C6 alkanes. According to the results of ozone formation potential (OFP), alkenes and aromatics were the main VOC emission species that contribute significantly to the OFP in the automobile manufacturing and petrochemical industries, with relatively high pollution source reaction activity. The results showed that the emission ratio (17%-96%) and OFP contributions of OVOCs were significant in various industries. Therefore, for VOC emission control, in addition to focusing on the control of aromatics and alkenes, attention should also be paid to OVOCs.

[Mechanism of catgut embedding at back-shu points for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis based on IKK/IKB/NF-κB signaling pathway].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism of catgut embedding at back-shu points on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in rats based on IKK/IKB/NF-κB signaling pathway and downstream inflammatory factors. METHODS: Eighty SPF SD rats were selected, among them 10 rats were selected divided into a normal group (group A), and the remaining 70 rats were fed with high-fat diet to establish NASH model. At the end of 12 weeks, 10 rats were randomly selected to verify whether the model establishment was successful. Then the remaining 60 rats were randomly divided into a model group (group B), a catgut embedding at back-shu points group (group C), a catgut embedding at abdominal points group (group D), an acupuncture at back-shu points group (group E), a sham catgut embedding group (group F) and a western medication group (group G), 10 rats in each group. The rats in the group C were treated with catgut embedding at "Ganshu" (BL 18), "Pishu" (BL 20), "Weishu" (BL 21) and "Shenshu" (BL 23); the rats in the group D were treated with catgut embedding at "Daheng" (SP 15), "Fujie" (SP 14), "Huaroumen" (ST 24) and "Tianshu" (ST 25); the rats in the group E were treated with acupuncture at the same acupoints as the group C; the rats in the group F were treated with catgut embedding at back-shu points but the needle did not enter subcutaneous tissue gamma; the rats in the group G were treated with intragastric administration of vitamin E capsule. All the treatment was given for 4 weeks. The rats in the group A were fed with normal diet until the end of 16 weeks without any intervention. The rats in the group B continued to be fed with high-fat diet until the end of 16 weeks. After the intervention, the liver index was calculated; the liver histomorphology was observed by HE staining; the liver function [alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma glutamyl transferase (γ-GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP)] and blood lipid [serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL)] were measured by serum biochemistry. The serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1ßwere detected by ELISA, and the expressions of IKK-α, NF-κBp65, IL-6, IL-1ß and TNF-α proteins in liver tissue were detected by Western blot. The temperature of the conception vessel and the governor vessel was measured by infrared thermography. RESULTS: Compared with the group A, the obvious steatosis and inflammatory cell infiltration were observed in the group B, and the body weight, liver wet-weight and liver index were all increased (P<0.01). Compared with the group B, the liver tissue morphology in the group C, the group D, the group E and the group G was improved in varying degrees, and the liver index was decreased (P<0.05), which was the most significant in the group C (P<0.05). Compared with the group A, the ALT, γ-GGT, ALP, TG, TC, LDL, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1ß were all increased in the group B (P<0.01); compared with the group B, the ALT, γ-GGT, ALP, TG, TC, LDL, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1ß in all intervention groups were all decreased in varying degrees (P<0.01, P<0.05), which was the most significant in the group C (P<0.01). Compare with the group A, the expressions of IKK-α, NF-κBp65, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1ßproteins in the group B were all increased (P<0.01); compared with the group B, the expressions of IKK-α, NF-κBp65, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1ßproteins in all intervention groups were decreased in varying degrees (P<0.05), which was the most significant in the group C (P<0.01). Compared with the group A, the temperature of the conception vessel and governor vessel was decreased in the group B (P<0.01). Compared with the group B, the temperature of the conception vessel and governor vessel was all increased in the group C, the group D and the group E (P<0.01); the temperature of the conception vessel in the group C was similar to that in the group D (P>0.05), while the temperature of the governor vessel in the group C was superior to that in the group D (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The catgut embedding at back-shu points might inhibit the activation of IKK/IKB/NF-κB signaling pathway to interrupt the inflammatory cascade, and reduce the "second hit" of inflammatory factors on liver, which could slow down NASH progress and prevent and treat NASH.

Hirsutella sinensis inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome activation to block aristolochic acid-induced renal tubular epithelial cell transdifferentiation.

In recent years, kidney damage caused by ingestion of Chinese medicinal herbs containing Aristolochic acid (AA) has attracted extensive attention. However, whether the nephrotoxicity of AA is related to NLRP3 inflammasome has not been reported. Hirsutella sinensis (HS) has a certain therapeutic effect on aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN) and is related to NLRP3 inflammasome. Therefore, this study explores whether HS plays a role in renal injury induced by AA through NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. AA-stimulated renal tubular epithelial cells showed that AA could promote the expression of NLRP3, ASC, and α-SMA, increase the secretion and expression of caspase-1, IL-1ß, and IL-18, and inhibit the expression of E-cadherin in a dose- and time-dependent manner. When NLRP3 was down-regulated, the expression of α-SMA and E-cadherin did not change significantly, but significantly blocked the regulation of α-SMA and E-cadherin expression by AA. When AA and HS were added to renal tubular epithelial cells at the same time, the effects of AA on the expression of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, IL-1ß, IL-18, and α-SMA gradually decreased to the level of control group with the increase of HS dosage. At the same time, HS can reduce the transdifferentiation of renal tubular epithelial cells by inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. These findings will provide important pharmacological references for the treatment of AAN and the clinical application of HS.

Effects of hepatitis B virus S protein on human sperm function.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) has been determined to exist in semen and male germ cells from patients with chronic HBV infection, but no data are yet available on the impact of HBV S protein (HBs), the main component of HBV envelop protein, on the human reproductive system. The purpose of this article was to investigate the effect of HBs on human sperm function. METHODS: Sperm motility analyses, sperm penetration assays, mitochondrial membrane potential assays, immunolocalizations with confocal microscopy and flow cytometry analyses were performed. RESULTS: HBs reduced sperm motility in a dose- and time-dependent manner and caused the loss of sperm mitochondrial membrane potential. HBs-HBs monoclonal antibody (MAb) complex apparently aggravated such impairments. After 4 h incubation with HBs at concentrations of 25, 50, 100 microg/ml, the percentages of sperm motility a+b significantly decreased compared with the control (P < 0.01). The fertilization rate and the fertilizing index in HBs-treated group were 40% and 0.57, respectively, which were significantly lower than 90% and 1.6, respectively, in the control (P < 0.01). The asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGP-R) and HBs were found to localize mainly on the postacrosomal region. Both ASGP-R MAb and asialofoetuin, a high-affinity ligand of ASGP-R, inhibited the HBs-caused loss of sperm motility and mitochondrial membrane potential. CONCLUSIONS: HBs had adverse effects on human sperm function, and ASGP-R may play a role in the uptake of HBs into sperm cells, as demonstrated by the competitive inhibition of ASGP-R MAb or asialofoetuin, resulting in diminished impairment caused by HBs.