Dendrobium Officinale Polysaccharide Alleviates Hepatic Fibrosis via Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Dendrobium officinale polysaccharide （DOP）on CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis（HF）and its mechanism. MethodsA total of 56 male SD rats were randomly divided into seven groups： normal group（NG），model group（MG），colchicine group（CG， 0.1 mg/kg）， Fuzheng Huayu group（FG， 0.45 g/kg），low-dose DOP group（LDG， 0.05 g/kg），middle-dose DOP group（MDG， 0.1 g/kg）and high-dose DOP group（HDG，0.2 g/kg），with 8 rats in each group. HF rat model was established by subcutaneous injection with 40% CCl4 olive oil mixture， every 3-day for 10 weeks. At the end of the sixth week， the drug groups were treated with colchicine， Fuzheng Huayu and DOP solution by gavage respectively， once a day for 4 weeks. NG and MG groups were similarly handled with an equal amount of 0.9 % normal saline. Liver histopathology was detected using hematoxylin-eosin （HE）， Masson and Sirius red staining； blood biochemistry was tested for liver function and four indicators of HF； RT-qPCR and Western Blot were used to measure the expression of α-SMA， Col-I， E-cadherin， and ZEB1 genes and proteins in the liver tissues of rats， respectively. ResultsHE， Masson， and Sirius red staining showed that the liver tissue of MG rats had typical pathologic features of HF， and the degree of HF was alleviated in LDG， MDG， and HDG rats， respectively. Liver function test results showed that the serum AST， TBIL， and AKP levels were significantly lower in LDG， MDG， and HDG， compared with those of the MG （P < 0.05 or < 0.01）. Meanwhile， ALT levels in serum deceased remarkably except in LDG （P < 0.05 or < 0.01）. The four results of HF showed that the serum HA， LN， PC-Ⅲ， and COL-Ⅳ levels in LDG， MDG， and HDG rats were significantly decreased compared with those of the MG （P < 0.05 or < 0.01）. The relative expressions of α-SMA， COL-I， and ZEB1 genes and proteins were significantly decreased in the liver tissues of LDG， MDG， and HDG （P < 0.05 or < 0.01）， and the relative expression of E-cadherin gene and protein increased （P < 0.05 or < 0.01）. In addition， the expressions of HA， α-SMA， COL-I， ZEB1 and E-cadherin were dependent on the dose of DOP. ConclusionDOP alleviated the degree of CCl4 induced HF in rats by inhibiting the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in liver tissue.

Effect of Baihe Yuzi Prescription on CFTR， AQP， and ZIP Ion Channels and Oxidative Stress in Epididymis of Oligoasthenozoospermia Rats / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Baihe Yuzi prescription （BYP） on the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator （CFTR）， aquaporin （AQP）， zinc/iron-regulated transporter-like protein （ZIP） and local oxidative stress in epididymis of oligoasthenozoospermia （OAS） rats， and to explore the mechanism of its intervention in OAS. MethodAfter 35 rats were acclimatized for 1 week， 7 rats were randomly selected as the normal group， and the remaining 28 rats were given tripterygium glycosides （TG） 30 mg·kg-1. After 4 weeks of modeling， they were randomly divided into 4 groups： model group， BYP low-dose group （LBYP）， BYP high-dose group （HBYP） and levocarnitine group， with 7 rats in each group. The rats in the normal group and model group were given normal saline at the same dosage. The levocarnitine group rats were given L-carnitine oral liquid （100 mg·kg-1） by gavage. The LBYP group rats were given BYP 6.3 g·kg-1， and the HBYP group rats were given BYP 12.6 g·kg-1 by gavage once a day for consecutive 4 weeks. After the end of the intervention， sperm count and motility of all rats were detected， the histopathological structure of epididymis was observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining， and the expressions of CFTR， AQP9， AQP3， ZIP8， ZIP12 and other proteins were detected by Western blot. The contents of α-glycosidase （α-GC）， sialic acid （SA）， carnitine， superoxide dismutase （SOD）， glutathione peroxidase （GSH-Px） and malondialdehyde （MDA） were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Total zinc content was measured using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. Free zinc ion content was detected by zinc ion probes. ResultCompared with those in the normal group， the sperm count and motility of rats were decreased and the epididymal structure was disordered in the model group. The contents of α-GC and carnitine were decreased in epididymis （P<0.05）. MDA levels were increased， while SOD， GSH-Px and zinc levels were decreased （P<0.05）. The expressions of CFTR and ZIP12 in the head and cauda of the epididymis were down-regulated， and AQP3 expression was up-regulated. The expression of ZIP8 in the cauda epididymis was up-regulated （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， BYP can significantly improve the sperm count and motility， the epididymal structure of OAS rats and the levels of α-GC and carnitine （P<0.05）. The expressions of CFTR and ZIP12 in the head and cauda of the epididymis were up-regulated， while the expressions of ZIP8 in the cauda epididymis and AQP3 in the head of the epididymis were decreased （P<0.05）. The SOD and GSH-Px levels and total zinc content in epididymis were increased， and the MDA levels were decreased （P<0.05）. ConclusionBYP may improve the sperm quality and repair epididymal tissue structure and function of OAS rats， by regulating the expressions of CFTR， AQP3， and ZIP12 ion channels and local antioxidant mechanism.

La suplementación con zinc favorece el crecimiento intrauterino en fetos de ratas diabéticas / Zinc supplementation favours intrauterine growth in diabetic rat fetuses

La deficiencia de zinc puede ser un factor mediador en los trastornos del crecimiento fetal en la descendencia de la gestante diabética. Se persiguió como objetivo determinar la influencia de un suplemento con zinc sobre la morfometría externa corporal y craneofacial en fetos de ratas diabéticas con hiperglucemias moderadas. Durante la gestación, ratas diabéticas y controles fueron suplementadas por vía oral con sulfato de zinc (50 mg/kg-pc) o no recibieron tratamiento. Los fetos descendientes del grupo diabético suplementado presentaron niveles similares a los controles en las variables de crecimiento somático determinadas. La suplementación con zinc a ratas diabéticas favoreció el crecimiento intrauterino en los fetos. Los resultados de esta investigación constituyen aportes para dilucidar los requerimientos de zinc que permitan prevenir los trastornos del crecimiento fetal en la descendencia de gestantes diabéticas.

Zinc deficiency may be a mediating factor in fetal growth disorders in the offspring of diabetic pregnant women. The objective was to determine the influence of a zinc supplement on external body and craniofacial morphometry in diabetic rat fetuses with moderate hyperglycemia. During gestation, diabetic and control rats were orally supplemented with zinc sulphate (50 mg/kg bw) or received no treatment. The fetuses descendants of the supplemented diabetic group had levels similar to the control ones in the determined somatic growth variables. Zinc supplementation to diabetic rats favoured intrauterine growth in fetuses. The results of this research constitute a contribution to elucidate zinc requirements that allow preventing fetal growth disorders in the offspring of diabetic pregnant women.

POSTOPERATIVE PAIN INCIDENCE AND INTENSITY FOLLOWING ROOT CANAL OBTURATION WITH BIOCERAMIC AND OTHER SEALERS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW WITH META-ANALYSIS

Aims: To investigate whether bioceramicsealers induce a lower incidence and intensity of postoperative pain compared to other sealers. Materials and Methods: Six electronic databases were searched for studies published up to April 2022, following the PICOS strategy: (P) adult patients undergoing root canal treatment or retreatment; (I) root canal filling using bioceramic sealer; (C) root canal filling using other types of sealers; (O) Primary: postoperative pain incidence and/or intensity; Secondary: number of medication intake; (S) randomizedclinical trials. Risk of bias assessment was performed with the revised Cochrane risk of bias tools for randomized trials (RoB 2). Overall certainty of evidence was assessed through the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) tool. Results: Ten studies were included. Eight studies had a low risk of bias, and two had some concerns risk. Meta-analyses showed no differences regarding postoperative pain intensity and incidence between bioceramic sealers and AH Plus. Number of medication intake seemed to be associated to the preoperative diagnosis. Zinc oxide-eugenol sealer demonstrated an intense postoperative pain compared to bioceramic sealers and AH Plus. GRADE analysis showed a low certainty of evidence for all outcomes. Conclusions: There seem to be no differences between bioceramic sealers and AH Plus regarding postoperative pain intensity and incidence. Number of medication intake seem to be associated to the preoperative diagnosis. Zinc oxide-eugenol evoked a more pronounced postoperative pain.

Indian food habit & food ingredients may have a role in lowering the severity & high death rate from COVID-19 in Indians: findings from the first nutrigenomic analysis

Background & objectives: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the death rate was reportedly 5-8 fold lower in India which is densely populated as compared to less populated western countries. The aim of this study was to investigate whether dietary habits were associated with the variations in COVID-19 severity and deaths between western and Indian population at the nutrigenomics level. Methods: In this study nutrigenomics approach was applied. Blood transcriptome of severe COVID-19 patients from three western countries (showing high fatality) and two datasets from Indian patients were used. Gene set enrichment analyses were performed for pathways, metabolites, nutrients, etc., and compared for western and Indian samples to identify the food- and nutrient-related factors, which may be associated with COVID-19 severity. Data on the daily consumption of twelve key food componentsacross four countries were collected and a correlation between nutrigenomics analyses and per capita daily dietary intake was investigated. Results: Distinct dietary habits of Indians were observed, which may be associated with low death rate from COVID-19. Increased consumption of red meat, dairy products and processed foods by western populations may increase the severity and death rate by activating cytokine storm-related pathways, intussusceptive angiogenesis, hypercapnia and enhancing blood glucose levels due to high contents of sphingolipids, palmitic acid and byproducts such as CO2 and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Palmitic acid also induces ACE2 expression and increases the infection rate. Coffee and alcohol that are highly consumed in western countries may increase the severity and death rates from COVID-19 by deregulating blood iron, zinc and triglyceride levels. The components of Indian diets maintain high iron and zinc concentrations in blood and rich fibre in their foods may prevent CO2 and LPS-mediated COVID-19 severity. Regular consumption of tea by Indians maintains high high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low triglyceride in blood as catechins in tea act as natural atorvastatin. Importantly, regular consumption of turmeric in daily food by Indians maintains strong immunity and curcumin in turmeric may prevent pathways and mechanisms associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 severity and lowered the death rate. Interpretation & conclusions: Our results suggest that Indian food components suppress cytokine storm and various other severity related pathways of COVID-19 and may have a role in lowering severity and death rates from COVID-19 in India as compared to western populations. However, large multi-centered case?control studies are required to support our current findings.

Functional study of Zinc in regulating M1 polarization of tumor associated macrophages during radical resection of lung cancer / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective:To explore the molecular mechanism of zinc donor regulating macrophage polarization, and to explore the correlation between serum zinc content and the clinical index during radical resection of lung cancer.Methods:One hundred and thirty-two patients who undergoing radical resection of lung cancer were enrolled in this study. The serum zinc content was detected by atomic absorption spectrophotometry before operation. The patients were allocated into high-Zn group and low-Zn group. The blood samples of the included subjects were collected before operation (before), immediately after operation (POP1) and 6 hours after operation (POP2), and the plasma high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and catalase were detected. The correlation between serum zinc content and clinical features were analyzed. Metrological statistics was performed by using t test or Mann- Whitney test, and counting statistics was performed by χ2 test. Results:The POP1-hs-CRP[(1.69±0.66)mg/L vs. (1.99±0.43)mg/L, POP2-hs-CRP[(3.51±1.01)mg/L vs. (4.59±0.78)mg/L] and other indicators of high-Zn group were significantly lower than those of low-Zn group.Conclusion:There is a negative correlation between serum zinc content and the inflammation during radical resection of lung cancer, suggesting that appropriate zinc supplementation has a protective effect on radical resection of lung cancer patients.

Effect of zinc finger protein 22 gene on proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the expression of zinc finger protein 22 (ZNF22) gene in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its effect on tumor proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and metastasis of HCC.Methods:The expression of ZNF22 in 32 HCC specimens, and 371 HCC samples from the cancer genome atlas database were analyzed. ZNF22 knockdown and negative control SNU-449 and JHH-7 HCC cell lines were constructed. The effects of ZNF22 on HCC cells were observed by cell proliferation assay, plate clone formation assay, apoptosis assay, scratch healing assay, Transwell invasion assay, subcutaneous tumor formation, tail vein injection transfer, and small animal live imaging assay in nude mice.Results:The expression of ZNF22 gene is higher in HCC tissues than in paracellular carcinoma tissues, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.001). The growth rate of SNU-449 and JHH-7 cells in ZNF22 knockdown group was lower than that in control group, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.001). Compared with negative control group, the clone number formed by SNU-449 cells in ZNF22 knockdown group decreased (26±8 vs. 59±5, P<0.01), the level of apoptosis increased (6.60%±0.22% vs. 2.38%±0.30%, P<0.001), the migration rate decreased (14.47%±6.42% vs. 68.84%±8.01%, P<0.001), and the number of invasive cells decreased (48.00±2.23 vs. 179.00±4.81, P<0.001). There was no obvious tumor growth after subcutaneous injection of JHH-7 cells into nude mice in ZNF22 knockdown group, and the systemic fluorescence expression was lower than that of the negative control group, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). No metastases were observed on autopsy in knockdown group nude mice. Conclusion:ZNF22 is highly expressed in HCC while knockdowing ZNF22 gene inhibited the growth, proliferation, invasion, metastasis of HCC cells, and induced apoptosis of HCC cells.

Correlation between serum zinc and brain injury in infants with mild gastroenteritis complicated with benign infantile convulsion and febrile convulsion / 中华危重病急救医学

Objective:To investigate the association between serum zinc levels and convulsive brain injury in infants with mild gastroenteritis complicated with benign infantile seizures (BICE) and febrile seizures (FC).Methods:A case-control study method was conducted. 120 children with mild gastroenteritis and convulsion admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University from January 2020 to January 2022 were enrolled as the research subjects. They were divided into BICE group and FC group according to the type of convulsion. The serum zinc level, the frequency and duration of convulsion, and the occurrence of convulsive brain injury in the two groups were recorded. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to screen the risk factors for convulsive brain injury. The Spearman correlation method was used to analyze the association between serum zinc levels, clinical characteristics of convulsion and convulsive brain injury.Results:A total of 120 children were enrolled, of which 81 developed to BICE and 39 developed to FC during hospitalization. The serum zinc level of children in the FC group was significantly lower than that in the BICE group (μmol/L: 39.24±6.50 vs. 48.65±7.21, P < 0.01). In the BICE group and FC group, the serum zinc level in children with more than 2 convulsions was significantly lower than that in the children with one convulsion (μmol/L: 37.65±6.50 vs. 53.17±7.55 in the BICE group, and 30.27±5.58 vs. 44.16±7.57 in the FC group, both P < 0.01). Serum zinc level in children with convulsion duration ≥5 minutes was significantly lower than that in the children with convulsion duration < 5 minutes (μmol/L: 38.75±6.74 vs. 51.21±7.58 in the BICE group, and 31.08±5.46 vs. 45.19±7.25 in the FC group, both P < 0.01). Moreover, the serum zinc level of children with different convulsion frequency and duration in the FC group was significantly lower than that in the BICE group (all P < 0.01). Among the 120 children, 9 cases of convulsive brain injury occurred, and the incidence rate was 7.50%. The incidence of convulsive brain injury in the BICE group was 1.23% (1/81), which was significantly lower than 20.51% in the FC group (8/39, P < 0.01). The serum zinc level of children with convulsive brain injury was significantly lower than that of children with non-brain injury (μmol/L: 28.50±5.00 vs. 60.22±7.31, P < 0.01), and the number of convulsion was significantly higher than that of non-cerebral injury (≥ 2 convulsions: 100.00% vs. 1.80%, P < 0.01), and the duration of convulsion in children with brain injury was significantly longer than that of non-brain-injured children (convulsion duration ≥5 minutes: 100.00% vs. 11.71%, P < 0.01). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that decreased serum zinc level [odds ratio ( OR) = 2.147, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was 1.354-3.403], increased number of convulsion ( OR = 3.452, 95% CI was 1.266-9.417), and prolonged convulsion duration ( OR = 3.117, 95% CI was 1.326-7.327) were independent risk factor for convulsive brain injury in children with mild gastroenteritis and convulsion (all P < 0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that serum zinc level, convulsion ≥2 times, duration of convulsion ≥5 minutes and convulsion ≥2 times + convulsion duration ≥5 minutes were significantly negatively correlated with the occurrence of convulsive brain injury in FC children ( r values were -0.546, -0.517, -0.522, and -0.528, all P < 0.01). There was no significant correlation between serum zinc level, convulsion ≥2 times, convulsion duration ≥5 minutes and convulsion ≥2 times+convulsion duration ≥5 minutes and convulsive brain injury in BICE children ( r values were -0.281, -0.129, -0.201, -0.243, all P > 0.05). Conclusions:Serum zinc level is related to the characteristics of convulsive symptoms in children with mild gastroenteritis complicated with FC, and has a strong negative correlation with the occurrence of convulsive brain injury. Active targeted intervention and treatment may help reduce the incidence of brain injury in children.

Antibacterial efficacy of chemically and plant-synthesized zinc oxide nanocomposite against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli inoculated in Tilapia fillet

Aims@#Edible coatings developed from biodegradable materials such as starch and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPS) are efficient antimicrobials that could be used as a food additive to reduce the bacterial load on the food surface. Therefore, this study was aimed to examine the effect of chemical and green synthesized ZnO-NPS with different concentrations on the survival of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus in fish fillets during chilling storage at 4 ± 1°C.@*Methodology and results@#ZnO-NPS were chemically prepared by mixing zinc acetate dihydrate with sodium hydroxide. Lavandula officinalis was used for the green synthesis of ZnO-NPS. The sterile biodegradable coating containing 2 and 5% of both chemically and green synthesized ZnO-NPS were made using starch, gelatin, xanthan gum and glycerol. Different bacterial cocktail strains of both E. coli and S. aureus were inoculated onto Tilapia fillet samples. The coating solution with different antimicrobials was aseptically spread in Tilapia fillets and examined periodically within two days intervals for the survival of S. aureus and E. coli during chilling at 4 ± 1 °C. Both chemically and plantsynthesized ZnO-NPS reduced the growth of both S. aureus and E. coli by about 3.7 log10 CFU/cm2 of Tilapia fillet. The incorporation of L. officinalis increased the antibacterial activity of ZnO-NPS. Staphylococcus aureus was more sensitive than E. coli for both chemically and plant-synthesized ZnO-NPS. Moreover, zinc oxide biodegradable coating extended the shelf-life of chilled Tilapia fillets by about 4 days.@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#The results of the current study demonstrated the incorporation of L. officinalis into ZnO-NPS biodegradable coating which may be promising in reducing microbial growth on food surfaces.

Assessment of zinc solubilization potential of zinc-resistant Pseudomonas oleovorans strain ZSB13 isolated from contaminated soil / Avaliação do potencial de solubilização do zinco da cepa ZSB13 de Pseudomonas oleovorans resistente ao zinco isolada de solo contaminado

Abstract Zinc is an essential micronutrient that is required for optimum plant growth. It is present in soil in insoluble forms. Bacterial solubilization of soil unavailable form of Zn into available form, is an emerging approach to alleviate the Zn deficiency for plants and human beings. Zinc solubilizing bacteria (ZSB) could be a substitute for chemical Zn fertilizer. The present study aimed to isolate and characterize bacterial species from the contaminated soil and evaluate their Zn solubilizing potential. Zn resistant bacteria were isolated and evaluated for their MIC against Zn. Among the 13 isolated bacterial strains ZSB13 showed maximum MIC value upto 30mM/L. The bacterial strain with the highest resistance against Zn was selected for further analysis. Molecular characterization of ZSB13 was performed by 16S rRNA gene amplification which confirmed it as Pseudomonas oleovorans. Zn solubilization was determined through plate assay and broth medium. Four insoluble salts (zinc oxide (ZnO), zinc carbonate (ZnCO3), zinc sulphite (ZnS) and zinc phosphate (Zn3(PO4)2) were used for solubilization assay. Our results shows 11 mm clear halo zone on agar plates amended with ZnO. Likewise, ZSB13 showed significant release of Zn in broth amended with ZnCO3 (17 and 16.8 ppm) and ZnO (18.2 ppm). Furthermore, Zn resistance genes czcD was also enriched in ZSB13. In our study, bacterial strain comprising Zn solubilization potential has been isolated that could be further used for the growth enhancement of crops.

Resumo O zinco é um micronutriente essencial necessário para o crescimento ideal das plantas. Ele está presente no solo em formas insolúveis. A solubilização bacteriana da forma indisponível de Zn no solo para a forma disponível é uma abordagem emergente para aliviar a deficiência de Zn em plantas e seres humanos. Bactérias solubilizadoras de zinco (ZSB) podem ser um substituto para fertilizantes químicos de Zn. O presente estudo teve como objetivo isolar e caracterizar espécies bacterianas de solo contaminado e avaliar seu potencial de solubilização de Zn. Bactérias resistentes ao Zn foram isoladas e avaliadas quanto ao seu MIC contra o Zn. Entre as 13 cepas bacterianas isoladas, ZSB13 apresentou valor máximo de MIC de até 30 mM/L. A cepa bacteriana com maior resistência ao Zn foi selecionada para análise posterior. A caracterização molecular de ZSB13 foi realizada por amplificação do gene 16S rRNA que o confirmou como Pseudomonas oleovorans. A solubilização do Zn foi determinada através de ensaio em placa e meio caldo. Quatro sais insolúveis (óxido de zinco (ZnO), carbonato de zinco (ZnCO3), sulfito de zinco (ZnS) e fosfato de zinco (Zn3 (PO4) 2) foram usados ​​para o ensaio de solubilização. Nossos resultados mostram uma zona de halo clara de 11 mm em placas de ágar corrigidas com ZnO. Da mesma forma, ZSB13 mostrou liberação significativa de Zn em caldo alterado com ZnCO3 (17 e 16,8 ppm) e ZnO (18,2 ppm). Além disso, os genes de resistência ao Zn czcD também foram enriquecidos em ZSB13. Em nosso estudo, a cepa bacteriana compreendendo potencial de solubilização de Zn foi isolada e poderia ser usada posteriormente para o aumento do crescimento de safras.

Efficacy and safety of different doses of zinc in the treatment of diarrhea in children：a systematic review / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To investigate the efficacy and safety of different doses of zinc in the treatment of diarrhea in children， and to provide a reference for clinical safe and rational drug use. METHODS Retrieved from PubMed， Cochrane Library， Embase database， randomized controlled trials about zinc （zinc group） versus placebo or conventional treatment （control group） in the treatment of diarrhea in children were collected from the inception to October 2022. Then， the quality of the included literature was evaluated by the Cochrane Handbook 6.0， and meta-analysis and sensitivity analysis were performed by RevMan 5.3 software. RESULTS Finally， 25 RCTs were included， with a total of 8 618 children. The results of meta-analysis showed that in terms of duration of diarrhea， in zinc ＜20 mg group， the zinc group was significantly shorter than the control group [SMD＝ －0.39， 95%CI（－0.71， －0.08）， P＝0.01]， but in subgroups of ＜6 months old， there was no significant difference between the two groups [SMD＝0.01， 95%CI（－0.10， 0.11）， P＝0.88]. In zinc 20 mg group， the zinc group was significantly shorter than the control group [SMD＝－0.52， 95%CI（－0.80， －0.23）， P＝0.000 3]. In zinc ＞20 mg group， the zinc group was significantly shorter than the control group [SMD＝－0.83， 95%CI（－1.39， －0.27）， P＝0.004]. In zinc ＞10 mg （age ≤12 months） or zinc ＞ 20 mg （age ＞12 months） group （short for “constant dose group”）， the zinc group was significantly shorter than the control group [SMD＝－0.16， 95%CI（－0.27， －0.06）， P＝ 0.003]. In the aspect of diarrhea rate after 7 days of treatment，there was no significant difference in the diarrhea rate after 7 E-mail：lihuiying@etyy.cn days of treatment between the zinc group and the control group： in zinc ＜20 mg group[OR＝1.28，95%CI （0.96，1.70），P＝0.09]， in zinc 20 mg group [OR＝0.40， 95%CI （0.15，1.01），P＝ 0.05]， in constant dose group [OR＝0.64， 95%CI （0.28， 1.44）， P＝0.28]. In terms of vomiting rate， in zinc ＜20 mg group， the vomiting rate of zinc group was significantly higher than that of the control group [OR＝2.13， 95%CI （1.68， 2.70）， P＜0.001]； in constant dose group， vomiting rate of zinc group was significantly higher than that of the control group [OR＝1.84， 95%CI （1.44， 2.34）， P＜0.001]. CONCLUSIONS Zinc can significantly shorten the duration of diarrhea in children（6 months and above）， but low doses can increase the risk of vomiting， which should be taken attention in clinical.

Effects of electroacupuncture on the glucose-lipid metabolism and the expression of ZAG and GLUT4 in the femoral quadriceps and adipose tissue in the rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVES@#To observe the effects on the glucose-lipid metabolism and the expression of zinc-α2-glycoprotein (ZAG) and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) in the femoral quadriceps and adipose tissue after electroacupuncture (EA) at "Pishu" (BL 20), "Weiwanxiashu" (EX-B 3), "Zusanli" (ST 36) and "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) in the rats with diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM), so as to explore the effect mechanism of EA in treatment of T2DM.@*METHODS@#Twelve ZDF male rats were fed with high-sugar and high-fat fodder, Purina #5008 for 4 weeks to induce T2DM model. After successfully modeled, the rats were randomly divided into a model group and an EA group, with 6 rats in each one. Additionally, 6 ZL male rats of the same months age were collected as the blank group. The rats in the EA group were treated with EA at bilateral "Pishu" (BL 20), "Weiwanxiashu" (EX-B 3), "Zusanli" (ST 36) and "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6), with continuous wave, 15 Hz in frequency, and 2 mA in intensity. The electric stimulation lasted 20 min each time. EA was delivered once daily, 6 times a week for 4 weeks. Separately, the levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG) was measured before modeling, before and after intervention, and the body mass of each rat was weighted before and after intervention. After intervention, the levels of the total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TG) and free fatty acid (FFA) in serum were detected using enzyme colorimetric method; and the levels of the serum insulin (INS) and ZAG were detected by ELISA. Besides, the insulin sensitivity index (HOMA-ISI) was calculated. With Western blot technique adopted, the protein expressions of ZAG and GLUT4 in the femoral quadriceps and adipose tissue were determined.@*RESULTS@#After intervention, compared with the blank group, the levels of FBG and body mass, and the levels of serum TC, TG, FFA and INS increased (P<0.01), while HOMA-ISI decreased (P<0.01); the level of ZAG in the serum and the protein expressions of ZAG and GLUT4 in the femoral quadriceps and adipose tissue dropped (P<0.01) in the model group. In the EA group, compared with the model group, the levels of FBG and body mass, and the levels of serum TC, TG, FFA and INS were reduced (P<0.01), and HOMA-ISI increased (P<0.01); the level of ZAG in the serum and the protein expressions of ZAG and GLUT4 in the femoral quadriceps and adipose tissue increased (P<0.01, P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Electroacupuncture can effectively regulate glucose-lipid metabolism, improve insulin resistance and sensitivity in the rats with T2DM, which is associated with the modulation of ZAG and GLUT4 expression in the skeletal muscle and adipose tissue.

Effect of zinc and probiotics supplementation on IL-6 and tissue neutrophil levels in rats exposed to cigarette smoke

@#Introduction: Cigarette smoke exposure can cause inflammation, inducing the release of acute phase cytokines, such as IL-6, that will then trigger the recruitment of neutrophils, which are mostly phagocytic cells. Zinc and probiotics are known to have beneficial effects against inflammation. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of zinc and probiotics supplementation on IL-6 and tissue neutrophil levels in rats exposed to cigarette smoke. Methods: In a randomised, experimental study with post-test control group design, thirty 2 to 3-month-old male Wistar rats, each weighing 180-220 g, were divided into five groups: control group without treatment (C); exposed to cigarette smoke [C (-)]; exposed to cigarette smoke and received zinc (Z); exposed to cigarette smoke and received probiotics (P); and exposed to cigarette smoke and received a combination of zinc and probiotics (ZP). Results: Mean tissue neutrophil levels in Z, P, and ZP groups were 43.43±2.01, 34.67±1.32,and 29.77±5.05 cells, respectively. There were significant differences between supplementation intake and tissue neutrophil levels in each group compared to C (-) group (p<0.05). Meanwhile, only IL-6 level in the ZP group (6.02 pg/mL) decreased significantly compared to C (-) group (10.61 pg/mL). Conclusion: These results suggest that a combination of zinc and probiotics have an anti-inflammatory effect as measured by IL-6 and neutrophil levels.

Hematopoietic regulation of transcription factor GATA1 and mutations causing hereditary erythroid and megakaryocytic disorders / 中国输血杂志

GATA-binding protein 1 (GATA1), an important hematopoietic transcription factor, specifically regulates the proliferation and differentiation of erythroid and megakaryoid cells at the transcription level, which maintains the normal development and maturation of these two lineages. The functional structure of GATA1 is composed of one N-terminal transactivation domain (N-TAD) and two zinc fingers (NF and CF). GATA1 is highly conserved in different species. Alteration of GATA1 expression or function will lead to transcriptional disorder of erythrocyte and megakaryocyte related genes, resulting in various clinical phenotypes. This article reviews the molecular structure of GATA1, its transcriptional regulation in erythrocyte and megakaryocyte, and the hereditary hematopoietic regulatory disorders of these two lineages caused by GATA1 mutations.

The Role and Regulatory Mechanism of ZSCAN4 in Early Embryonic and Pluripotent Stem Cells / 中国生物化学与分子生物学报

Zinc finger and SCAN domain containing 4 (ZSCAN4) is specifically expressed as a DNA-binding protein in 2-cell stage embryos and embryonic stem cells. ZSCAN4 regulates early embryonic development by promoting DNA damage repair and correcting chromosomal abnormalities during zygotic genome activation (ZGA) to maintain genomic and chromosomal integrity in preimplantation embryos. During the transition of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) to 2-cell-like cells, ZSCAN4 interacts with ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers to regulate the activity of murine endogenous retroviral L enhancers, and activate the expression of peripheral 2-cell-phase genes to promote the transition of embryonic stem cells to 2-cell-like cells. ZSCAN4 can also promote telomere reorganization and telomere extension by reducing DNA methylation levels to mediate heterochromatin silencing, maintain genome stability and the infinite self-renewal capacity and pluripotency of pluripotent stem cells, and promote mESCs transition to embryonic 2-cell-like cells. In addition, ZSCAN4 can also reactivate early embryonic genes in reprogramming, and significantly increase the generation efficiency of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). ZSCAN4 reduces DNA damage during iPSCs formation, and preserves genome stability by lengthening telomeres, thereby promoting the generation of high-quality iPSCs without genetic defects. This article focuses on the research advances of the biological functions of ZSCAN4 in regulating early embryonic development, mediating telomere elongation in pluripotent stem cells, and its role in somatic cell reprogramming, which may provide a reference for optimizing the technology to increase the early embryonic development and maintenance of pluripotent stem cells and iPSC generation.

Resveratrol promotes autophagy through zinc ion and induces cardiomyocyte protection / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate whether resveratrol (Resveratrol, Res) induces cardiomyocyte protection by increasing intracellular zinc ion and its possible signal mechanism. Methods H9c2 cells were routinely cultured and 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) was used to establish an endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) model. The experiment was randomly divided into control group, 2-DG group, Res +2-DG group, TPEN + Res + 2-DG group and 3-MA + Res +2-DG group. Cell viability was detected by MTT and CCK-8; the expression levels of ERS molecular chaperone proteins glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), glucose-regulated protein 94 (GRP94) and autophagy proteins LC3 II / I, p62 and p-AMPK were detected by Western blot; the expression of LC3 protein was measured by cellular immunofluorescence; the mitochondrial membrane potential (Aijjm) and the intracellular zinc ion level were measured by laser scanning confocal microscope. Results Compared with the control group, 2-DG reduced cell activity and resveratrol inhibited the changes caused by 2-DG, which was reversed by zinc chelator TPEN. 2-DG increased GRP78 and GRP94 expression and resveratrol inhibited the protein changes caused by 2-DG, which was reversed by TPEN. 2-DG increased the expression of LC3 II / I, p-AMPK and decreased the expression of p62, and resveratrol promoted the effect of 2-DG. 2-DG increased the fluorescence intensity of LC3, and resveratrol enhanced the effect of 2-DG, which was reversed by TPEN and 3-MA. 2-DG reduced the red fluorescence intensity of mitochondrial TMRE and green fluorescence intensity of intracellular zinc ions, and resveratrol inhibited these changes caused by 2-DG, which was also reversed by TPEN and 3-MA. The above differences were all statistically significant (P < 0. 05). Conclusion Resveratrol increases intracellular zinc to promote ERS-induced autophagy and prevent the mPTP opening in H9c2 cardiac cells.

Research progress on surface modification of titanium implants by strontium ions / 口腔疾病防治

@#Traditional titanium implants do not completely meet the clinical requirements because they are bioinert. The surface of titanium implants, modified by strontium ions, can enhance osseointegration and reduce peri-implantitis. In this paper, the biological properties of titanium implant surfaces modified by strontium ions were reviewed. Strontium ions can be coated on the implant surface by hydrothermal treatment, electrochemical deposition, phosphate chemical conversion, flame-spraying, supramolecular self-assembly, magnetron sputtering, laser deposition and alkali etching. Implant surfaces modified by strontium ions can not only promote osteogenesis and early osseointegration but also inhibit bacterial growth and reduce postoperative infections. Even better osseointegration and antibacterial effects can be achieved when strontium ions are incorporated with other elements, such as silver, zinc, gallium, and calcium. However, most of the studies on the use of strontium ion-modified titanium implants are animal experiments and in vitro experiments, and the observation time is short compared with the actual service life of the implants. Thus, the conclusions obtained may be different from the actual clinical application, and the long-term effects need to be studied. In addition, the osteogenic effects of various modification methods also need to be compared. Future research can focus on the following points: ① to find efficient modification methods that can be widely used in the clinic; ②to study how to control the concentration of strontium ions near the implant to exert their biological function and reduce their toxic side effects; and ③ to conduct long-term follow-up clinical trials to observe their osteogenic and antibacterial effects.

Relationship between trace elements in synovial fluid and cartilage and severity of knee osteoarthritis / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the relationship between trace elements in synovial fluid and cartilage and severity of knee osteoarthritis (KOA).@*METHODS@#Patients with KOA who underwent knee arthrocentesis or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) were recruited based on inclusion criteria between June 2021 and December 2021. Synovial fluid samples were obtained during knee arthrocentesis and TKA, and participants were divided into the mild group (grading Ⅰ/Ⅱ) and the severe group (grading Ⅲ/Ⅳ) according to the Kellgren-Lawrence grading (K-L grading). Cartilage samples with different degrees of wear were collected during the TKA from the same patient and were divided into mild wear (0-1 point) and severe wear (2-4 points) groups based on the Pelletier score. The contents of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn) in synovial fluid and cartilage were evaluated by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and the differences between groups were compared.@*RESULTS@#A total of 33 synovial fluid samples were collected, including 19 specimens from 14 patients who underwent knee arthrocentesis of mild group, with 5 bilateral sides knee arthrocentesis in them, and 14 specimens from 14 TKA patients of severe group. The patients were significantly younger in the mild group than in the severe group ( P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in gender or body mass index between the two groups ( P>0.05). Nineteen pairs of cartilage samples with mild and severe wear were collected from severe KOA patients (K-L grading Ⅲ and Ⅳ), including 9 males and 10 females, with an average age of 70.4 years (range, 58-80 years). The body mass index ranged from 21.2 to 30.7 kg/m 2, with an average of 25.6 kg/m 2. The content of Zn in synovial fluid and cartilage from KOA patients was the highest, followed by Cu, and Mn was the lowest. The Cu content in synovial fluid was significantly higher in the severe group than in the mild group ( P<0.05), and in the severe wear group than in the mild wear group ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in Zn and Mn content between the two groups ( P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The Cu content increases with the severity of cartilage wear in patients with KOA.

Research status and development of biodegradable zinc alloy as orthopedics implant / 生物医学工程学杂志

Znic (Zn) alloys with good cytocompatibility and suitable degradation rate have been a kind of biodegradable metal with great potential for clinical applications. This paper summarizes the biological role of degradable Zn alloy as bone implant materials, discusses the mechanical properties of different Zn alloys and their advantages and disadvantages as bone implant materials, and analyzes the influence of different processing strategies (such as alloying and additive manufacturing) on the mechanical properties of Zn alloys. This paper provides systematic design approaches for biodegradable Zn alloys as bone implant materials in terms of the material selection, product processing, structural topology optimization, and assesses their application prospects with a view to better serve the clinic.

Toxicity evaluation of zinc oxide nanoparticles in vitro and in vivo on cornea / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM:To observe the toxic effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles(ZnO NPs)on cornea by constructing intoxicated model in vivo and in vitro.METHODS:Human corneal epithelial cells(HCEpiC)were cultured in vitro and exposed to different concentrations(0.5, 5, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, 250 μg/mL)of ZnO NPs for 24h. The cell culture medium without nano-solution was used as the blank control group. The viability of the cells was assessed by MTT assay. Three different concentrations(25, 50 and 100 μg/mL)of ZnONPs dispersions were exposed to the conjunctival sac of anesthetized mice three times a day for 7d consecutively. The phosphate buffered saline(PBS)eye group was the PBS control group. Corneal morphology was observed on 1, 3, 5 and 7d, and the eyes were removed on 8d for various laboratory examinations, including corneal pathological changes and expression levels of inflammatory factors(TNF-α, IL-6).RESULTS:After treatment of HCEpiC cells with different concentrations of ZnO NPs for 24h, the MTT results showed that Zno NPs cause damage to cells at 0.5 μg/mL, and the cell survival rate was about 80%(P&#x003C;0.05). Half of the cells were killed at a dose of 5 μg/mL, the damaging effect on cells in the concentration range of 5～250 μg/mL was concentration-dependent(P&#x003C;0.0001). After 7d of conjunctival capsule spotting in mice, dot-like staining of fluorescein was seen in the 25 μg/mL ZnO NPs and 50 μg/mL ZnO NPs groups. Localized circular fluorescein stained areas were seen in the corneas of the 100 μg/mL ZnO NPs group. HE staining showed that the corneal epithelial layer, stromal layer thickness and stromal layer immune cell number did not change significantly in the 25 μg/mL and 50 μg/mL ZnO NPs groups(all P&#x003E;0.05), while the corneal epithelial layer thinned, the corneal stromal layer thickened and the stromal layer immune cells increased significantly in the 100 μg/mL ZnO NPs group(all P&#x003C;0.05). Immunohistochemical staining showed that the number of corneal stromal immune cells producing TNF-α and IL-6 and the mean integral optical density(IOD)values of TNF-α and IL-6 were significantly higher in the 100 μg/mL ZnO NPs group than in the PBS control group(P&#x003C;0.05), and the degree of inflammation response was concentration-dependent. Compared with the PBS control group, no significant increase in immune cell count and IOD values in the 25 μg/mL ZnO NPs and 50 μg/mL ZnO NPs groups(P&#x003E;0.05).CONCLUSION:The toxic damaging effect of ZnO NPs on the cornea was confirmed from both in vitro and in vivo, which provided a theoretical basis for the ocular safety evaluation of ZnO NPs.