ABSTRACT
Alcohol liver disease (ALD) has become a global threat to human health. It is associated with a wide range of liver diseases including alcohol fatty liver, steatosis, fibrosis and cirrhosis, and finally leads to liver cancer and even death. Centranthera grandiflora is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb commonly used to treat ALD, but no research about its mechanism is available. This study evaluated the hepatoprotective effect and mechanism of C. grandiflora against alcohol-induced liver injury in mice. We found that the ethanol extracts of C. grandiflora (CgW) alleviated the alcohol-induced liver injury, enhanced the levels of antioxidant enzymes, and reduced the amount of lipid peroxides. CgW also affected cell apoptosis by inhibiting the activity of Bax, cleaved-caspase 3 and cleaved-caspase 9, and increasing the activity of Bcl-2. In conclusion, the results showed that CgW can effectively improve ALD through alleviating oxidative stress and inhibiting cell apoptosis for the first time. This study suggested that C. grandiflora is a promising herbal medicine for ALD treatment.
Subject(s)
Animals , Apoptosis , Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury, Chronic , Ethanol , Humans , Liver , Liver Diseases, Alcoholic , Mice , Oxidative StressABSTRACT
In this study, a method was established for in-situ visualization of metabolite distribution in the rhizome of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis. To be specific, through matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry imaging(MALDI-MSI), the spatial locations of steroidal saponins, amino acids, organic acids, phytosterols, phytoecdysones, nucleosides, and esters in rhizome of the medicinal plant were directly analyzed, and six unknown compounds with differential distribution in rhizome tissues were identified. The specific procedure is as follows: preparation of rhizome tissue section, matrix screening and optimization, and MALDI-MSI analysis. The results showed that the steroidal saponins were mainly distributed in the central, amino acids in epidermis and cortex, low-molecular-weight organic acids in central epidermis, phytosterols in the epidermis and lateral cortex, the phytoecdysones in epidermis and cortex, nucleosides(uneven distribution) in epidermis and cortex, growth hormones around the epidermis and cortex, particularly outside the cortex, and esters in cortex with unobvious difference among different tissues. In this study, the spatial distribution of meta-bolites in the rhizome of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis was characterized for the first time. The result can serve as a reference for identifying and extracting endogenous metabolites of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis, exploring the synthesis and metabolism mechanisms of the metabolites, and evaluating the quality of medicinal materials.
Subject(s)
Liliaceae/chemistry , Melanthiaceae , Rhizome/chemistry , Saponins/analysis , Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-IonizationABSTRACT
Objective:To assess the diagnostic and prognostic value of lymphocyte subtyping for invasive candidiasis infection (ICI) in critically ill patients with non-neutropenic sepsis.Methods:A prospective observational cohort study was performed at Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH), 377 patients with non-neutropenic sepsis admitted to Department of Critical Care Medicine from January 2017 to November 2019 were enrolled. There were 9.0% (34/377) patients diagnosed as ICI. Vital signs, supportive care therapy and microbiological specimens were collected. Peripheral blood lymphocyte subtypes, serum globulin, complements, inflammatory factors such as interleukin(IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor were detected within 24 hours after sepsis was diagnosed. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic value and prognostic significance of immunological indicators for ICI. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze the independent risk factors for ICI. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to analyze survival.Results:The acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ (APACHE Ⅱ) score was 17.0 (13.0, 21.0) in all 377 patients. The sequential organ failure score (SOFA) was 11.0 (8.0, 13.0), and the 28-day mortality rate was 27.6% (104/377). Peripheral blood CD8 +absolute T lymphocyte count≤177 cells/μl, CD28 +CD8 +T-cell count≤81 cells/μl and 1, 3-β-D-glucan (BDG) ≥88.20 ng/L were closely correlated with the diagnosis of ICI (AUC=0.793,95 %CI 0.749-0.833, P<0.000 1;AUC=0.892,95 %CI 0.856-0.921, P<0.000 1;AUC=0.761, 95 %CI 0.715-0.803, P<0.000 1, respectively), with sensitivity of diagnosis 94.12%, 100.00%, and 88.24%; the specificity of diagnosis 81.34%, 62.39%, 63.56% respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified CD8 +T-cell count≤139 cells/μl ( OR=7.463, 95 %CI 1.300-42.831, P=0.024) and CD28 +CD8 +T-cell counts≤52 cells/μl ( OR=57.494, 95 %CI 3.986-829.359, P=0.003) as independent risk factors for higher mortality. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis suggested that CD8 +T-cell count ≤139 cells/μl ( P=0.0159) and CD28 +CD8 +T-cell count≤52 cells/μl ( P=0.000 1) were associated with higher mortality within 28 days (68.8%, 91.7%). Conclusions:Low CD28 +CD8 +T cell count in peripheral blood is closely related to the development and clinical outcome of ICI in sepsis patients, which could be used as an effective indicator for the diagnosis and prognosis prediction of ICI.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To analyze the molecular interaction network pathway of Shenmai Injection in the treatment of COVID-19 with coronary heart disease by using network pharmacology. Methods: Using the TCMSP and ETCM to retrieve the chemical constituents of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma Rubra and Ophiopogonis Radix in Shenmai Injection. The target of the compound was predicted through the SwissTargetPrediction database. The target of COVID-19 with coronary heart disease was screened through the NCBI database and the GeneCards database, and the targets of compound and disease were mapped to obtain the target of the compound for treating the disease. FunRich software and DAVID database were used to perform GO function enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, and Excel software and Tableau software to draw bar charts and bubble charts for visualization. Finally, Cytoscape 3.7.1 software was used to build compound-target-pathway network. Glide was used to dock the components of Shenmai Injection with 3CL hydrolase (Mpro). Results: The results showed that ophiopogonin D', ophiopogonin D, ginsenoside Rg2, methyl ophiopogonanone A, ophiogenin-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1→2)-β-D-glucopyranoside, ginsenoside Rb2, ginsenoside R0, ophiopogon A, sanchinoside Rd, ophiopogonanone E, and ginsenoside Re showed higher degrees in the analysis and stronger binding with 3CL hydrolase. Those compounds were the main effective components in the treatment of COVID-19 combined with coronary heart disease, involving 77 targets such as IL6, GAPDH, ALB, TNF, MAPK1, MAPK3, TP53, EGFR, CASP3, and CXCL8. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that there were 124 (P < 0.05) signaling pathways involving HIF-1 signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, sphingolipid signaling pathway, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, neurotrophin signaling pathway, VEGF signaling pathway, apoptosis, Ras signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and prolactin signaling pathway. The results of molecular docking showed that the affinity between the 17 components of Shenmai Injection and the 3CL hydrolase of SARS-CoV-2 was less than -25 kJ/mol. Conclusion: Shenmai Injection can achieve simultaneous intervention of COVID-19 and coronary heart disease by inhibiting cytokine storms, maintaining cardiac function homeostasis, regulating immunity, and antivirals. It presents the network regulation mechanism of mutual influence and complex correlation. This study can provide a scientific basis for the treatment of Shenmai Injection in critically ill patients with COVID-19.
ABSTRACT
Objective: To investigate the hypoglycemic components from the acid hydrolyzates of Panax quinquefolius total saponins, and screen the active compounds by in vitro inhibitory activities to α-glycosidase enzymes and protein tyrosine phosphatase-1B (PTP1B). Methods: The hydrolyzates were chromatographed repeatedly over silica gel column, and the structures of the compounds were determined by means of NMR. The in vitro bioassay was performed through the inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase or/and PTP1B. Results: Eight compounds were isolated, which identified as 20(S)-panaxadiol (1), (20S,24R)-dammarane-20,24-epoxy-3β,6α,12β,25-tetraol (2), 20(R)-dammarane-3β,12β,20,25-tetraol (3), 20(S)-dammarane-3β,6α,12β,20,25-pentol (4), 20(R)-dammarane-3β,12β,20,25-tetrahydroxy-3β-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (5), β-sitosterol (6), oleanolic acid (7) and 20(S)-protopanaxadiol (8). Compound 5 was ginseng triterpenoid isolated from the acid hydrolysates of total saponins from P. quinquefolius for the first time. In this paper, the possible in vitro inhibitory activities were investigated. Compound 5 exhibited significantly inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase, and the IC50 value [(0.22 ± 0.21) µmol/L] was about 43-fold lower than positive control. For the PTP1B inhibition assay, compound 5 indicated the strongest inhibitory effect with IC50 of (5.91 ± 0.38) µmol/L, followed by compound 4 with IC50 of (6.21 ± 0.21) µmol/L, which were all showed competitive inhibitory pattern by using a Lineweaver-Burk plot. Conclusion: These results supported the potential application of dammaranes from acid hydrolyzates of P. quinquefolius total saponins can be used as ingredients of ancillary anti-diabetic agent or functional factor.
ABSTRACT
Segmental zoster paresis(SZP)is a rare complication in herpes zoster infection,with its symptoms often neglected due to the co-existence of pain.Here we reported a case of SZP.Also,we analyzed 42 Chinese SZP cases in literature,which revealed that the male to female ratio of SZP patients was 13∶8,and the median age of disease onset was 65 years.The most commonly affected region is upper limb.The diagnosis depends mainly on typical medical history and clinical symptoms.Although there is no definite therapy for SZP,the antiviral therapy is the most commonly used treatment,which achieved complete recovery in 78.6% of the patients and partial recovery in 14.3% of the patients.
Subject(s)
Aged , Female , Herpes Zoster/diagnosis , Humans , Male , Paresis/etiology , Upper Extremity/physiopathologyABSTRACT
Objective To observe the effects of endoscopic drug therap on hemostasis, re-bleeding and the risk of occurrence of complication in patients with acute esophageal and gastric variceal bleeding (EGVB). Methods A retrospective method was conducted, and 100 patients with EGVB who were admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Yan'an University from June 2015 to June 2017 were enrolled. According to the difference in treatment methods, they were divided into an endoscopy Sclerotherapy and Ligation group and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) group, 50 cases in each group. The TIPS group was treated with TIPS; the endoscopy Sclerotherapy and Ligation group underwent endoscopic variceal sclerotherapy, endoscopic esophageal variceal ligation and postoperative non-selective β blockers oral administration. After 2 years of follow-up, the patients' hemostasis, re-bleeding at acute stage, survival situation and the incidences of complications were recorded. Before treatment and 2 weeks after treatment, the levels of serum albumin (Alb), total bilirubin (TBil) and platelet count (PLT) were measured by Hitachi automatic biochemical analyzer in the two groups. Results The success rate of hemostasis in the endoscopy Sclerotherapy and Ligation group was significantly higher than that in the TIPS group [98.0% (49/50) vs. 82.0% (41/50) ], and the recurrence rate of varices, during 1- and 2-year follow-up, the recurrence rate of bleeding and the incidences of complications were significantly lower than those in TIPS group [the recurrence rate of varicose veins: 6.0% (3/50) vs. 24.0 (12/50), 1-year re-bleeding rate: 12.0% (6/50) vs. 30.0% (15/50), 2-year re-bleeding rate: 42.0% (21/50) vs. 66.0% (33/50), esophageal ulcer: 2.0% (1/50) vs. 14.0% (7/50), upper abdominal discomfort: 2.0% (1/50) vs. 14.0% (7/50), hepatic encephalopathy:4.0% (2/50) vs. 16.0% (8/50), chest pain: 6.0% (3/50) vs. 20.0% (10/50), all P < 0.05]. After treatment, the levels of Alb and PLT in the endoscopy Sclerotherapy and Ligation group were higher than those in the TIPS group [Alb (g/L):43.84±4.34 vs. 40.83±3.21, PLT (×109/L): 26.33±3.37 vs. 21.12±3.89, both P < 0.05], and the TBil was lower than that in the TIPS group (μmol/L: 13.82±4.32 vs. 19.33±4.59). Conclusion Endoscopic Sclerotherapy and Ligation can significantly improve the effect of hemostasis of patients with acute EGVB, the rate of re-bleeding does not increase compared with that of western medicine group using TIPS, and the incidences of complications are significantly lower than those of applying TIPS.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the satisfaction and performance of water colonoscopy and gas colonoscopy. METHODS: 240 continuous cases were randomly divided into two groups(gas colonoscopy group, water colonoscopy group). Record the general condition, success rate, period of performance and abdominal pain score. Investigate the degree of abdominal pain, distension and the will of receiving anesthetic colonoscopy next time in the follow-up. RESULTS: There were no significant difference between two groups in the general condition, success rate, depth of insertion, abdominal pain after examination or the will of receiving anesthetic colonoscopy next time(P>0.05). The period of insertion, period of withdrawal and period of performance in water colonoscopy group was longer than those in the gas colonoscopy group(P<0.001, P=0.013, P<0.001). The degree of abdominal distension at 1 hour after colonoscopy in water colonoscopy group was higher than those in the gas colonoscopy group(P<0.001), but no significant difference was found at6 hours after examination. CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing water colonoscopy have better outcomes with less abdominal pain and abdominal distension except for longer time of performance.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effect of electrical stimulation at auricular points (EAS) combined with sound masking on the expression of cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB) in the auditory cortex of tinnitus rats.@*METHODS@#A total of 27 adult male SD rats were randomly divided into a control group, a model group and an EAS group. The rats in the model group and the EAS group were intervened with intraperitoneal injection of sodium salicylate to induce tinnitus model, while the rats in the control group were intervened with injection of 0.9% NaCl solution. After the model was successfully established, the rats in the EAS group were treated with electrical stimulation at "Shenmen" (TF) and "Yidan" (CO), combined with sound masking; the treatment was given once a day for 15 days. The gap prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle (GPIAS) and prepulse inhibition (PPI) testing were performed using the acoustic startle reflex starter package for rats. The expression of BDNF, TrkB, CREB and p-CREB in the auditory cortex of each group were measured with Western Blot analysis.@*RESULTS@#① Compared with the control group, the GPIAS values in 12 kHz, 16 kHz, 20 kHz and 28 kHz were significantly decreased in the model group (all 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#EAS could improve the GPIAS values of high-frequency background sound in tinnitus rats, which may be related with the upregulation of the BDNF/TrkB/CREB signaling pathway in the auditory cortex, leading to the reversion of the maladaptive plasticity.
Subject(s)
Acupuncture Points , Animals , Auditory Cortex , Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor , Metabolism , Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein , Metabolism , Electric Stimulation , Male , Rats , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Receptor, trkB , Metabolism , Tinnitus , Metabolism , TherapeuticsABSTRACT
Bupleuri Radix has both liver protection and hepatotoxicity. Saponins are the main pharmacodynamic and toxic components of Bupleuri Radix. Based on zebrafish physical model and the model of alcoholic fatty liver( AFL) pathology,the liver toxic and protective effect of saikosaponin a( SSa) were assessed. The results indicated that 1. 77 μmol·L-1 SSa showed protective effect to AFL zebrafish. 5. 30 μmol·L-1 SSa was hepatotoxic to healthy zebrafish,but it showed protective effect to AFL zebrafish. 5. 62 μmol·L-1 SSa was hepatotoxic to healthy and AFL zebrafish. This study is benefit for clinical safety of saikosaponin a.
Subject(s)
Animals , Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury , Fatty Liver, Alcoholic , Drug Therapy , Oleanolic Acid , Pharmacology , Toxicity , Saponins , Pharmacology , Toxicity , ZebrafishABSTRACT
Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) is a research area with highly original innovation features,and is also a Chinese name card to the world. However,TCM owns a unique theoretical system which is quite different from western modern medicine,leading to an awkward situation of deficient modern social identity as well as poor international spread. Therefore,how to establish a research strategy in line with the characteristics of TCM itself to systematically interpret the unique scientific connotation of TCM is always a public hot topic. Based on persistent practical exploration and scientific consideration in TCM,our group firstly promoted the concept of traditional Chinese medicine chemical biology(TCM chemical biology,TCMCB). The major idea of TCMCB is to clarify the nature of TCM regulating life progress to link TCM to modern medicine by using TCM components as chemical tools. Notably,TCMCB mainly focuses on TCM target identification and TCM-guided disease molecular mechanism exploration,further to clarify the basic law of TCM mediating disease process. Finally,TCMCB-guided scientific studies can help explain TCM theory and promote the developmentof modern innovative drugs based on identified targets using TCM active components. Moreover,TCMCB is of vital importance for investigating the scientific nature of biological progress and the pattern of disease occurrence and development,indicating a key significance for modern life science and medicine. This review introduces the definition of TCMCB as well as its academic thought,research method,technology system and scientific significance,for providing new research ideas and scientific thoughts for TCM development.
Subject(s)
Biology , Chemistry , Interdisciplinary Research , Medicine , Medicine, Chinese Traditional , Research DesignABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Simple nanotube surface modification of titanium implant has been shown to promote adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts. Collagen coating can promote osteoblast adhesion and osseointegration in vivo. OBJECTⅠVE: To observe the effects of type collagen combined titanium dioxide nanotube composite coating modified titanium surface on osteoblast adhesion in vitro and osseointegration in vivo. METHODS: The titanium dioxide nanotube was fabricated on the pure titanium surface, then type Ⅰ collagen was combined with the nanotube structure to form composite coating. Scanning electron microscope observation was used to characterize the surface topography of the pure titanium, titanium dioxide nanotube and type Ⅰ collagen combined titanium dioxide nanotube surfaces. Contact angle test was employed to evaluate the hydrophilicity of different samples. MC3 T3-E1 murine preosteoblasts were seeded on the three kinds of materials for 4 hours. Cell adhesion morphology was examined by scanning electron microscope. Adherent cell counting was detected under inverted fluorescence microscope. Expression of actin cytoskeleton and vinculin was observed under laser scanning confocal microscope. The gene expression of vinculin and osteoprotegerin mRNA was detected by real-time quantitative PCR. The three kinds of samples were implanted into the tibia of Sprague-Dawley rats (provided by Laboratory Animal Center, Ⅰnstitute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences) , and tibia samples were removed after 4 weeks of implantation for biological push-out test and histological observation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSⅠON: (1) Scanning electron microscope: There was mechanical scratch on the pure titanium surface. There was controllable, and uniform vertical arrangement of nanotubular structures with a diameter of approximately 70 nm on the titanium dioxide nanotube surface, and collagen adhered surrounding the nanotubular structures on the type Ⅰ collagen combined titanium dioxide nanotube substrate, and partial tubule orifices were closed. (2) The hydrophicility of type Ⅰ collagen combined titanium dioxide nanotube was significantly larger than those of the other two materials (P < 0.05) . (3) Compared with the pure titanium and titanium dioxide nanotube surfaces, the type Ⅰ collagen combined titanium dioxide nanotube substrate displayed increased adherent cell number, much well-organized cytoskeleton, enhanced immunofluorescence intensity of vinculin protein staining, and increased expression levels of vinculin and osteoprotegerin mRNA levels (all P < 0.05) . (4) Ⅰn vivo test revealed that the maximum push-out force in the type Ⅰ collagen combined titanium dioxide nanotube group was significantly higher than that in the pure titanium and titanium dioxide nanotube groups (P < 0.05) . Hematoxylin-eosin staining results showed that there were few bones, but many fibrous connective tissue surrounding the implant in the pure titanium group; there were more newly-born bones, and less fibrous connective tissue surrounding the implant in the titanium dioxide nanotube group; there were dense newly-born bones, and few thin fibrous connective tissue surrounding the implant in the type Ⅰ collagen combined titanium dioxide nanotube group. (5) These results indicate that type Ⅰ collagen combined titanium dioxide nanotube surface can facilitate osteoblast cell adhesion and promote osseointegration in vivo.
ABSTRACT
Chemical examination of an EtOAc extract of cultured Aspergillus versicolor fungus from deep-sea sediments resulted in the isolation of four xanthones, eight anthraquinones and five alkaloids, including a new xanthone, oxisterigmatocystin D (1) and a new alkaloid, aspergillusine A (13). High resolution electron impact mass spectrometry (HR-EI-MS), FT-IR spectroscopy, and NMR techniques were used to elucidate the structures of these compounds, and the absolute configuration of compound 1 was established by its NMR features and coupling constant. Furthermore, the biosynthesis pathway of these xanthones and anthraquinones were deduced, and their antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity in human cancer cell lines (HTC-8, Bel-7420, BGC-823, A549, and A2780) were evaluated. The trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assay indicated most of the xanthones and anthraquinones possessing moderate antioxidant activities. The Nrf2-dependent luciferase reporter gene assay revealed that compounds 6, 7, 9, and 12 potentially activated the expression of Nrf2-regulated gene. In addition, compounds 5 and 11 showed weak cytotoxicity on A with the IC values of 25.97 and 25.60 μmol·L, respectively.
Subject(s)
Anthraquinones , Antioxidants , Chemistry , Metabolism , Pharmacology , Aspergillus , Chemistry , Genetics , Metabolism , Cell Line, Tumor , Cell Survival , Gene Expression , Humans , Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy , Molecular Structure , NF-E2-Related Factor 2 , Genetics , Metabolism , Seawater , Microbiology , Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared , Xanthones , Chemistry , Metabolism , PharmacologyABSTRACT
Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is one of the most serious complications of end-stage liver disease. Type Ⅰ/Ⅱ HRS has a high short-term mortality rate and poor prognosis. The diagnostic criteria for HRS based on serum creatinine cannot keep up with the world, and early diagnosis is of great importance to the treatment and prognosis of HRS. This article introduces the value and clinical significance of seven biomarkers for renal injury in the early diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and prognostic evaluation of HRS. It is pointed out that neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, interleukin-18, and kidney injury molecule-1 may be the biomarkers for early identification of renal injury in patients with liver cirrhosis. A combination of multiple biological indicators, imaging examination, and interventional techniques might be a feasible method for early diagnosis of HRS in future.
ABSTRACT
Chemical examination of an EtOAc extract of cultured Aspergillus versicolor fungus from deep-sea sediments resulted in the isolation of four xanthones, eight anthraquinones and five alkaloids, including a new xanthone, oxisterigmatocystin D (1) and a new alkaloid, aspergillusine A (13). High resolution electron impact mass spectrometry (HR-EI-MS), FT-IR spectroscopy, and NMR techniques were used to elucidate the structures of these compounds, and the absolute configuration of compound 1 was established by its NMR features and coupling constant. Furthermore, the biosynthesis pathway of these xanthones and anthraquinones were deduced, and their antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity in human cancer cell lines (HTC-8, Bel-7420, BGC-823, A549, and A2780) were evaluated. The trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assay indicated most of the xanthones and anthraquinones possessing moderate antioxidant activities. The Nrf2-dependent luciferase reporter gene assay revealed that compounds 6, 7, 9, and 12 potentially activated the expression of Nrf2-regulated gene. In addition, compounds 5 and 11 showed weak cytotoxicity on A with the IC values of 25.97 and 25.60 μmol·L, respectively.
Subject(s)
Anthraquinones , Antioxidants , Chemistry , Metabolism , Pharmacology , Aspergillus , Chemistry , Genetics , Metabolism , Cell Line, Tumor , Cell Survival , Gene Expression , Humans , Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy , Molecular Structure , NF-E2-Related Factor 2 , Genetics , Metabolism , Seawater , Microbiology , Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared , Xanthones , Chemistry , Metabolism , PharmacologyABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the eye-movement patterns of Chinese children with developmental dyslexia (DD children) with those of non-dyslexic children as they perform the Stroop Color and Word Test (SCWT), and to explore the relationship between their eye-movement patterns and interference effect.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>An EyeLink II was used to record the eye-movement parameters of 32 DD children and 37 non-dyslexic children as they performed the SCWT. The independent samples t-test and repeated measures were used to analyze behavioral and eye-movement parameters.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared to the control group, Chinese DD children presented lower accuracy (F = 8.488), slower response time (F = 25.306), and larger interference effect (t = 2.29); Chinese DD children also exhibited lower frequency of fixations (F = 6.069), greater numbers of saccades (F = 7.914) and fixations (F = 5.272), and shorter mean saccade distance (F = 4.03). All behavioral and eye-movement parameters differed significantly among the three tasks in the SCWT. There was significant interaction between groups and tasks in accuracy (F = 5.844), and marginally significant interaction in response time (F = 3.040). Chinese DD children tended to have lower accuracy and longer response time than the control group in the 'color-word naming' task.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Compared to non-dyslexic children, Chinese DD children are subject to a stronger interference effect. When performing the SCWT, Chinese DD children exhibit abnormal eye-movement patterns, namely shorter mean saccade distance, lower frequency of fixations, and more fixations and saccades. These abnormal eye movements may be relatively stable oculomotor patterns of DD children performing visual processing, and not influenced by impaired interference effect.</p>
ABSTRACT
Antibiotics are commonly used in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), but unnecessary or long-time exposure to antibiotics early after birth can increase the risk of poor prognosis of neonates. Antibiotic treatment in the NICU often begins with empiric therapy, but no uniform standards have been established for the initiation and course of empiric therapy. In neonates with negative bacterial culture results and stable clinical manifestations, empiric antibiotic therapy should be terminated in a timely manner. There are significant differences in the use of antibiotics in different NICUs. A targeted antimicrobial stewardship program is an effective way for optimizing the use of antibiotics in the NICU.
ABSTRACT
<p><b>Background</b>Recent studies have indicated that autophagy is involved in sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction. This study aimed to investigate the change of autophagy in cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced myocardium dysfunction and its relationship with mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway.</p><p><b>Methods</b>Totally, 12 rats were randomly divided into CLP group or sham-operated (SHAM) group. Cardiac tissues were harvested 18 h after CLP or sham operation. Pathology was detected by hematoxylin and eosin staining, cardiac functions by echocardiography, distribution of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 type II (LC3II) by immunohistochemical staining, and autophagic vacuoles by transmission electron microscopy. Moreover, phosphorylation of mTOR (p-mTOR), phosphorylation of S6 kinase-1 (PS6K1), and LC3II and p62 expression were measured by western blotting. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to analyze the correlation of two parameters.</p><p><b>Results</b>The results by pathology and echocardiography revealed that there was obvious myocardial injury in CLP rats (left ventricle ejection fraction: SHAM 0.76 ± 0.06 vs. CLP 0.59 ± 0.11, P < 0.01; fractional shortening: SHAM 0.51 ± 0.09 vs. CLP 0.37 ± 0.06, P < 0.05). We also found that the autophagy process was elevated by CLP, the ratio of LC3II/LC3I was increased (P < 0.05) while the expression of p62 was decreased (P < 0.05) in the CLP rats, and there were also more autophagosomes and autolysosomes in the CLP rats. Furthermore, the mTOR pathway in CLP myocardium was inhibited when compared with the sham-operated rats; p-mTOR (P < 0.01) and PS6K1 (P < 0.05) were both significantly suppressed following CLP challenge. Interestingly, we found that the mTOR pathway was closely correlated with the autophagy processes. In our study, while p-mTOR in the myocardium was significantly correlated with p62 (r = 0.66, P = 0.02), PS6K1 was significantly positively correlated with p62 (r = 0.70, P = 0.01) and negatively correlated with LC3II (r = -0.71, P = 0.01).</p><p><b>Conclusions</b>The autophagy process in the myocardium was accelerated in CLP rats, which was closely correlated with the inhibition of the mTOR pathway.</p>
Subject(s)
Animals , Autophagy , Physiology , Cecum , Wounds and Injuries , Echocardiography , Immunohistochemistry , Ligation , Male , Microscopy, Electron, Transmission , Myocardium , Metabolism , Rats , Rats, Wistar , Sepsis , Metabolism , TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases , MetabolismABSTRACT
Aim To investigate the protective effect of Qi ZhiXiaoke granules ( QZXK ) on nerve injury using zebrafish and nerve cell injury models. Methods The nerve injury model was established using wild zebrafish AB line, 72 hours after fertilization treated with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1 , 2 , 3 , 6-four pyridine ( MPTP ) .Then QZXK of different doses were administered for three days,and the trajectory of the zebrafish behavior was recorded and analyzed. Neuroblastoma PC12 cells were incubated with different concentrations of QZXK and MPTP,and the cell viability of PC12 cells was de-tected by MTT. The mitochondrial membrane potential and expression of apoptosis related protein Caspase3 were measured by kits. Results Compared with con-trol group,MPTP reduced the movement distance of ze-brafish,and with the increase of concentration, QZXK promoted the movement distance and reversed the swimming behavior abnormality of zebrafish. Compared with control group, QZXK could inhibit the apoptosis induced by MPTP and promote the cell viability of PC12 cells with MPTP. QZXK improved the membranepotential and decreased the expression of Caspase3 . Conclusions QZXK exerts neuroprotective effect in the process of nerve injury induced by MPTP. The mechanism may be related with inhibiting apoptosis of neural cells. These experiment provides experimental and theoretical foundation for QZXK promoting cogni-tive function.
ABSTRACT
Aim To establish a new model of skin damage by u-sing vincristine to transgenic zebrafish (krt4:NTR-hKikGR).Methods Skin fluorescent transgenic zebrafish embryos after 24 h fertilization were treated with the 0.01~0.04 mmol·L-1 vincristine,and zebrafish skin cell ablation was investigated un-der fluorescence microscope after 24 h,at same time skin death cells were detected with TUNEL assay and image processed, then the protein expressions of KRT4, caspase-3 and p53 were assessed with Western blot. Results 0.02 mmol·L-1and 0.04 mmol·L-1vincristine could obviously induce zebrafish skin cell apoptosis(P<0.01) with statistically significant differ-ence compared with the control, and the same result could be accomplished in TUNEL assay. Results of Western bolt showed that vincristine could increase the embryos caspase-3 and p53 expression(P <0.01), while vincristine in high concentration might decrease KRT4 markedly(P<0.01). Conclusion Vin-cristine can induce damage on zebrafish skin with suppression KTR4,which can be used as a new skin damage model.