An unprecedented pair of Z/E isomeric pyridinium compound from the aqueous extract of Aspongopus chinensis Dallas / 药学学报

A novel pair of Z/E isomeric compounds with unprecedented carbon skeleton were isolated from an aqueous extract of Aspongopus chinensis Dallas by macroporous resin, silica gel, and semi-preparative high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Their structures were identified by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Infrared spectroscopy (IR), Mass spectroscopy (MS) and other spectroscopic methods as (Z)-3-(but-1″-en-1″-yl)-1-(2ʹ-hydroxyethyl)-4-propylpyridin-1-ium, namely aspongopyridine A, and (E)-3-(but-1″-en-1″-yl)-1-(2ʹ-hydroxyethyl)-4-propylpyridin-1-ium, namely aspongopyridine B, respectively. Besides, the anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, acetylcholinesterase inhibition and butyrylcholinesterase inhibition activities of the compounds 1 and 2 were evaluated. The results showed that compounds 1 and 2 have no anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and butyrylcholinesterase inhibition activities instead of weak acetylcholinesterase inhibition activity.

Expression of miR-210-3p in the aqueous humor of patients with age-related cataracts and its effect on human lens epithelial cell injury induced by hydrogen peroxide / Expressão de miR-210-3p no humor aquoso de pacientes com catarata relacionada à idade e seu efeito na lesão de células epiteliais do cristalino humano induzida por peróxido de hidrogênio

ABSTRACT Purpose: The regulatory effect of microRNA on diseases has been confirmed. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of microRNA-210-3p in age-related cataracts and assess the effect of abnormal miR-210-3p expressions on H2O2-induced SAR01/04 cells. Methods: Reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction method was performed to assess the levels of miR-210-3p in aqueous humor samples. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was employed to assess the discrimination ability of miR-210-3p between patients with age-related cataracts and healthy people, and Pearson correlation analysis was used to identify the correlation between miR-210-3p and oxidative stress indices such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, malonaldehyde. Cell counting kit-8 assay and Transwell assay were used to estimate the biological function of H2O2-induced age-related cataract cell model. The levels of oxidative stress indices such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and malonaldehyde were measured to evaluate the degree of oxidative stress damage in the age-related cataract cell model. The relationship between miR-210-3p and its target gene was verified by luciferase reporter gene analysis. Results: The miR-210-3p expression was elevated in the aqueous humor of patients with age-related cataracts. A high miR-210-3p expression showed a high diagnostic value for age-related cataracts and was significantly associated with the level of oxidative stress markers in patients with age-related cataracts. The inhibition of miR-210-3p can reverse oxidative stress stimulation and adverse effects on H2O2-induced cell function. Conclusions: The results suggested that miR-210-3p could promote cell viability, cell migration, and oxidative stress by targeting autophagy-related gene 7 in in vitro age-related cataract cell model.

RESUMO Objetivo: O efeito regulador do microRNA em doenças tem sido confirmado, e este artigo tentou avaliar a expressão do microRNA-210-3p na catarata relacionada à idade e avaliar o efeito da expressão anormal do miR-210-3p em células SAR01/04 induzidas por H2O2. Métodos: O método de transcrição reversa seguida de reação em cadeia da polimerase (RT-PCR) quantitativa foi realizado para avaliar os níveis de miR-210-3p em amostras de humor aquoso. Análise de características operacionais do receptor foi feita para avaliar a capacidade de discriminação do miR-210-3p entre pacientes com catarata relacionada à idade e pessoas saudáveis. A análise de correlação de Pearson identificou a correlação do miR-210-3p e índices de estresse oxidativo, como superóxido dismutase, glutationa peroxidase, malonaldeído. O ensaio de contagem de células kit-8 (cck-8) e o ensaio no sistema Transwell foram utilizados para estimar a função biológica do formato de células de catarata relacionada com a idade induzida por H2O2. Os níveis de índices de estresse oxidativo como superóxido dismutase, glutationa peroxidase e malonaldeído foram detectados para avaliar o grau de dano do estresse oxidativo em formato de células de catarata relacionada à idade. A relação entre miR-210-3p e seu gene alvo foi verificada por análise do gene repórter luciferase. Resultados: A expressão miR-210-3p foi elevada no humor aquoso de pacientes com catarata relacionada à idade. A expressão miR-210-3p altamente expressiva mostrou alto valor diagnóstico para catarata relacionada à idade e foi significativamente associado ao nível de marcadores de estresse oxidativo em pacientes com catarata relacionada à idade. A inibição de miR-210-3p pode reverter a estimulação do estresse oxidativo e os efeitos adversos da função celular induzida por H2O2. Conclusões: Esses dados sugeriram que a expressão miR-210-3p poderia promover a viabilidade celular, migração celular e estresse oxidativo ao direcionar genes ATG 7 relacionados à autofagia em modelo in vitro de células de catarata relacionadas à idade.

Ensayo de citotoxicidad de extractos de Pleurotusostreatus en diferentes líneas celulares para aplicaciones inmunonutricionales

Introducción: Los bioderivados propuestos como candidatos a ingredientes alimentarios suelen requerir ciertas evaluaciones para las aplicaciones inmunonutricionales Los hongos comestibles-medicinales son un surtidor de compuestos con estas potencialidades. Entre ellos, las setas Pleurotus ostreatus contienen metabolitos bioactivos, con importantes usos en la industria alimenticia y en la práctica terapéutica de la industria médico-farmacéutica. Los ensayos de citotoxicidad in vitro constituyen métodos valiosos para evaluarproductos de origen natural, como los extractos fúngicos. Objetivo: Evaluar la citotoxicidad de dos extractos obtenidos de la seta Pleurotus ostreatus en diferentes líneas celulares. Método: Se obtuvieron extractos hidrosolubles a partir del micelio y de los cuerpos fructíferos de Pleurotus ostreatus en laboratorios del Centro de Estudios de Biotecnología Industrial de la Universidad de Oriente. Se evaluó la citotoxicidad de los bioproductos por el ensayo de reducción del colorante resazurina sobre tres líneas celulares en el Laboratorio de Microbiología, Parasitología e Higiene (LMPH) de la Universidad de Amberes, Bélgica. Se utilizaron células no adherentes THP-1 (pre-monocitos de leucemia humana), células adherentes Caco-2 (epitelio de adenocarcinoma de colon humano) y células adherentes RAW 264.7 (macrófagos murinos). Resultados: Los extractos de Pleurotus ostreatus no resultaron citotóxicos para ninguna de las líneas celulares estudiadas humanas o murina, ya que no ocasionaron daños sobre la viabilidad de las célulasepiteliales del sistema gastrointestinal, nisobrelas células del sistema inmune empleadas. Conclusiones: Este resultado demuestra que ambos bioderivados fúngicos pueden ser aplicados con seguridad en estudios inmunonutricionales.

Introduction: Bioderivatives proposed as candidates for food ingredients usually require certain evaluations for immunonutritional applications. Edible-medicinal mushrooms are a source of compounds with these potentials. Among them, Pleurotus ostreatus mushrooms contain bioactive metabolites, with important uses in the food industry and in the therapeutic practice of the medical-pharmaceutical industry. In vitro cytotoxicity assays are valuable methods to evaluate products of natural origin, such as fungal extracts. Objective: To evaluate the cytotoxicity of two extracts obtained from the Pleurotus ostreatus mushroom in different cell lines. Method: Water-soluble extracts were obtained from the mycelium and fruiting bodies of Pleurotus ostreatus in laboratories of the Center for Industrial Biotechnology Studies of the Universidad de Oriente. The cytotoxicity of the bioproducts was evaluated by the resazurin dye reduction assay on three cell lines at the Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH) of the University of Antwerp, Belgium. Non-adherent THP-1 cells (human leukemia pre-monocytes), Caco-2 adherent cells (human colon adenocarcinoma epithelium) and RAW 264.7 adherent cells (murine macrophages) were used. Results: Pleurotus ostreatus extracts were not cytotoxic for any of the human or murine cell lines studied, since they did not cause damage to the viability of the epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal system, nor to the immune system cells used. Conclusions: This result demonstrates that both fungal bioderivatives can be safely applied in immunonutritional studies.

Introdução: Bioderivados propostos como candidatos a ingredientes alimentícios geralmente requerem determinadas avaliações para aplicações imunonutricionais. Pleurotus ostreatus contêm metabólitos bioativos, com importantes utilizações na indústria alimentícia e na prática terapêutica da indústria médico-farmacêutica. Ensaios de citotoxicidade in vitro são métodos valiosos para avaliar produtos de origem natural, como extratos de fungos. Objetivo: Avaliar a citotoxicidade de dois extratos obtidos do cogumelo Pleurotus ostreatus em diferentes linhagens celulares. Método: Extratos hidrossolúveis foram obtidos do micélio e dos corpos frutíferos de Pleurotus ostreatus nos laboratórios do Centro de Estudos de Biotecnologia Industrial da Universidade de Oriente. A citotoxicidade dos bioprodutos foi avaliada pelo ensaio de redução do corante resazurina em três linhagens celulares no Laboratório de Microbiologia, Parasitologia e Higiene (LMPH) da Universidade de Antuérpia, Bélgica. Foram utilizadas células THP-1 não aderentes (pré-monócitos de leucemia humana), células aderentes Caco-2 (epitélio de adenocarcinoma do cólon humano) e células aderentes RAW 264.7 (macrófagos murinos). Resultados: Os extratos de Pleurotus ostreatus não foram citotóxicos para nenhuma das linhagens celulares humanas ou murinas estudadas, pois não causaram danos à viabilidade das células epiteliais do sistema gastrointestinal, nem às células do sistema imunológico utilizadas. Conclusões: Este resultado demonstra que ambos os bioderivados fúngicos podem ser aplicados com segurança em estudos imunonutricionais.

Aurolab aqueous drainage implant implantation made easy: A video-based step-by-step guide

Background: Glaucoma is one of the major causes of irreversible blindness in the world, with trabeculectomy still being the primary surgical modality for the management of glaucoma. Glaucoma drainage devices (GDDs) have been conventionally used for the treatment of refractory glaucoma and are found to be beneficial in eyes with prior unsuccessful filtration surgeries and primary choice of surgery in certain glaucoma. Aurolab aqueous drainage implant (AADI) is a nonvalved device useful in refractory glaucoma to achieve low intraocular pressure (IOP). The device has been commercially available in India since 2013 and is like the Baerveldt glaucoma implant in design and function. AADI being the most economical and effective GDD in controlling IOP is becoming a popular choice among ophthalmologist in developing countries. AADI surgery has steep learning curve due to large end?plate surface area which needs a rigorous conjunctival dissection, muscle hooking, meticulous plate fixations, and careful tube ligations and insertion. There are different techniques of performing AADI surgery, but the authors have tried to simplify the complex surgery for easy and catchable learning of the procedure by novice surgeon with their experience and have elaborated a step?wise most effective way of performing surgery. Purpose: This video?based skill transfer depicts steps of AADI surgery with compilation of various modifications and authors’ tips and tricks to novice surgeons. Synopsis: This video depicts detailed steps of AADI surgery with micro?points and authors experience. Video also shows various tailor?made modifications of surgical techniques for different case scenarios. Highlights: Steps of AADI surgery, modifications, and surgical pearls.

The Beneficial Effects of Photobiomodulation to Reduce Intraocular Pressure in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

Purpose: The aim of this trail was to study the efficacy of photobiomodulation (PBM) treatment to reduce the intraocular pressure in subjects with primary open angle glaucoma disease.Methods: Twenty eyes suffering from open angle glaucoma with high IOP level were selected, examined and treated with Thera-RED light diode system. The subjects were divided into two groups (n=10); treated and placebo group respectively; this system provide two lights (red at 660n.m continue and Near IR light micro-pulsed at 850 n.m), the patients received two series of treatment (ten per month within three months between every series of sessions) over five months and follow up taking ocular pressure measurements after every diode delivery session.Results: A significant decrease in IOP has been observed from the first month of the treatment compared to the placebo group (from 22.6mmHg before treatment to 15 mmHg after the tenth session) this amelioration has been also remarked during the second session of treatment (fifth month) to attempt 14.2 mmHg. Conclusion: Thera-RED light diode system treatment shows a significant decrease of IOP and remained to be stable under 14.2 mmHg in all the follow up, which confirm that photobiomodulation help in reducing the intraocular pressure in glaucomatous patients .

Management of corneal perforations in dry eye disease: Preferred practice pattern guidelines

Corneal perforations in eyes with dry eye disease (DED) are difficult to manage due to the interplay of several factors such as the unstable tear film, surface inflammation, and the underlying systemic disease affecting the wound healing process, and the eventual outcome. A careful preoperative examination is required to identify the underlying pathology, and status of ocular surface and adnexa, rule out microbial keratitis, and order appropriate systemic workup in addition to assessing the perforation itself. Several surgical options are available, which include tissue adhesives, multilayered amniotic membrane grafting (AMT), tenon patch graft (TPG), corneal patch graft (CPG), and penetrating keratoplasty (PK). The choice of procedure depends upon the size, location, and configuration of the perforation. In eyes with smaller perforations, tissue adhesives are effective treatment modalities, whereas AMT, TPG, and CPG are viable options in moderate-sized perforations. AMT and TPG are also preferable in cases where the placement of a bandage contact lens may be a challenge. Large perforations require a PK, with additional procedures such as tarsorrhaphy to protect the eyes from the associated epithelial healing issues. Conjunctival flaps are considered in eyes with poor visual potential. The management of the acute condition is carried out in conjunction with measures to improve the tear volume bearing in mind the chances of delayed epithelialization and re-perforation in these cases. Administration of topical and systemic immunosuppression, when indicated, helps improve the outcome. This review aims to facilitate clinicians in instituting a synchronized multifaceted therapy for the successful management of corneal perforations in the setting of DED.

Aqueous-deficient dry eye disease: Preferred practice pattern guidelines on clinical approach, diagnosis, and management

Dry eye disease (DED) is a broad term that includes a diverse group of clinical disorders. Aqueous-deficient dry eye (ADDE), a subtype of DED, is characterized by decreased tear production by the lacrimal gland. It can be seen in up to one-third of individuals with DED and can be comorbid with a systemic autoimmune process or occur secondary to an environmental insult. Since ADDE can be a source of long-term suffering and severe visual impairment, early identification and adequate treatment are imperative. Multiple etiologies can underlie ADDE, and it is critical to identify the underlying cause to not only improve the ocular health but also to improve the overall quality of life and well-being of affected individuals. This review discusses the various etiologies of ADDE, highlights a pathophysiology-based approach for evaluating underlying contributors, outlines various diagnostic tests, and reviews treatment options. We present the current standards and discuss ongoing research in this field. Through this review, we propose a treatment algorithm that would be useful for an ophthalmologist in diagnosing and managing individuals with ADDE.

Phytochemical Investigation and in Vitro Antioxidant Activity of Panchavalkala Bark Extracts

Natural antioxidants have an important role in the prevention of many age-related diseases and promotion of health. Among natural antioxidants from plants, flavonoids and other phenolic compounds are potent antioxidants and chelating agents. Panchavalkala the barks of five trees i.e. Nyagrodha (Ficus benghalensis L.), Udumbara (Ficus racemosa L.), Ashwatha (Ficus religiosa L.), Plaksha (Ficus virens Aiton) and Parisha (Thespesia populnea (L.)Sol.ex Correa) are also known as Pancha Ksheeri Vrikshas in use since Vedic period. Barks of these trees are dried in shade and are used for different formulations (Pancha Kashaya Kalpanas), in different pathological conditions, especially as wound healing, gynecological disorders and etc. The plant samples were extracted using ethanol and water, and subjected for the phytochemical analysis. It was confirmed that samples contain many biologically active compounds like flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins, alkaloids, glycosides and terpinoids etc. The marker compound of each trial drug and the quantitative analysis has been carried out by high performance liquid chromatography. The antioxidant study was done by using in vitro method 1, 1­-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. The marker compounds caffeic acid and gallic acid were quantified in each extract for their quality and efficacy. PVK barks showed high free radical scavenging activity as evidenced by the low IC50 values in DPPH (EE PVK- 20.46µg/ml, AE PVK-37.79µg/ml, EE T.poulenea-22µg/ml, AE T. poulenia- 23.31µg/ml AE F. benghalensis- 25.53µg/ml, EE F. benghalensis- 26.23µg/ml, EE F. religiosa - 34µg/ml). Quercetin- IC50 value 4.026µg/ml is used as standard. The results of the study demonstrated that PVK barks possess phyto-constituent’s viz. tannins, flavonoids, polyphenols etc. and has potential antioxidant activity. Thus these barks have good therapeutic potential as natural antioxidant and might be used in life style related conditions like hyperlipidemia, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disorders and etc.

Incidence, outcomes, and risk of surgical failure after development of early hypotony following Aurolab aqueous drainage implant surgery

Purpose: To report the incidence, outcomes, and risk of surgical failure after early postoperative hypotony following Aurolab Aqueous Drainage Implant (AADI) surgery for adult and pediatric refractory glaucoma. Methods: Medical records of patients who underwent AADI between January 2013 and March 2017 with a minimum of 2?years follow?up were retrospectively reviewed. Early postoperative hypotony was defined as IOP ?5 mmHg within the first 3 months after AADI. Surgical failure of AADI was defined as IOP >21 mmHg or reduced <20% below baseline on two consecutive follow?up visits after 3 months, IOP ?5 mmHg on two consecutive follow?up visits after 3 months, reoperation for glaucoma or a complication, or loss of light perception vision. Results: Early postoperative hypotony was seen in 15/213 eyes (7%) in the adult group and in 6/101 eyes (6%) in the pediatric group. The onset of hypotony was significantly earlier in the pediatric group (median = 39 days post AADI, IQR = 20–58 days) compared with adult eyes (median = 51 days post AADI, IQR = 30–72 days) (P = 0.02). Eyes with early postoperative hypotony did not have an increased risk of cumulative surgical failure as compared with eyes without hypotony in both adult (33.3% vs. 23.7%; P = 0.48) and pediatric (33.3% vs. 13.7%; P = 0.16) refractory glaucoma. All eyes recovered from hypotony, though one adult eye developed retinal detachment and one pediatric eye developed corneal decompensation and lost vision. Conclusion: Early postoperative hypotony was an infrequent complication post AADI and occurred earlier in pediatric eyes. Early postoperative hypotony did not increase risk of surgical failure up to 2 years.

Effects of femtosecond laser assistcataract extraction on the levels of inflammatory factors in aqueous humor, corneal perception and high order aberration / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To investigate the effects of femtosecond laser assistcataract extraction on the levels of inflammatory factors in aqueous humor, corneal perception and high order aberration.Methods:Forty-eight patients (56 eyes) undergoing cataract surgery in the Shouguang People′s Hospital from June 2018 to February 2020 were enrolled in this study, and they were divided into observation group (24 patients and 27 eyes, femtosecond laser cataract phacoemulsification) and control group (24 patients and 29 eyes, coaxial microincision phacoemulsification) by random number table method. The levels of prostglndin E2 (PGE2), interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β in aqueous humor were detected before and after operation. Upper corneal and central corneal perception thresholds were recorded before surgery, 7 d after surgery, 1 month after surgery and 3 months after surgery. High order aberrations of the whole eye and cornea at 4mm pupil diameter before and after operation were recorded.Results:After operation, the levels of PGE2, IL-6 and IL-1β in aqueous humor in the observation group were lower than those in the control group: (45.62 ± 5.71) ng/L vs. (63.65 ± 5.62) ng/L, (15.25 ± 3.21) ng/L vs. (24.59 ± 6.13) ng/L, (17.16 ± 1.28) ng/L vs. (25.74 ± 4.62) ng/L, the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). The upper and central corneal perception threshold of observation group after operation for 7 d were higher than those in the control group: 4.55 ± 0.50 vs. 4.20 ± 0.33, 5.68 ± 0.49 vs. 5.52 ± 0.45, the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). The indexes of high order aberration of the whole eye decreased in the two groups ( P<0.05), while the indexes of cornea did not change significantly. The indexes of high order aberration of the whole eye and cornea between before and after surgery between the two groups had no significant differences ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Femtosecond laser assist cataractextraction can relieve inflammation, reduce the whole eye high order aberration, but not affect the cornea, and can improve corneal perception.

Research progress of cellular senescence in glaucoma / 中华实验眼科杂志

Cellular senescence is a response process in which cells are activated by ischemia, hypoxia, oxidative stress, DNA damage, reactive oxygen species deposition and other stimulations.Senescent cells markers include such as senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activation, P16INK4a upregualtion, senescence-associated heterochromatic foci (SAHF) accumulation, senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) generation, telomere shortening and so on.P16INK4a/Rb and P19 ARF/P53/P21 Cip1 pathways are two classic cell senescence signaling pathways, which are interconnected and independent on each other.In recent years, glaucoma is considered as a blinding eye disease associated with cell senescence.Research on cell senescence in glaucoma mainly focuses on trabecular meshwork and Schlemm cannel endothelial cells senescence leading to increased resistance of aqueous humor outflow pathway, and the mechanism of retinal ganglion cells senescence and treatment in glaucoma.As an irreversible stage before cell death, deeper study on the mechanism of retinal ganglion cells senescence, and specific blocking of cell senescence will provide a new target for reducing the aqueous humor outflow resistance and protecting the optic nerve in glaucoma.This article reviewed characteristics, inducements, molecular signaling pathways of cellular senescence in glaucoma.

Research progress and prospect of metabonomics in glaucoma / 中华实验眼科杂志

Metabonomics is an important component of systems biology.It reveals the essential metabolic characteristics of the activities of organisms using qualitative and quantitative detection and analysis of the dynamics of all endogenous low-molecular-weight metabolites within an organism before and after stimulation such as pathophysiological stimuli or genetic modification.Therefore, it provides insight into the pathogenesis, early diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of diseases.Metabonomics relies on chromatography, mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and other analytical chemistry techniques to obtain data.The examination specimens are usually body fluids including blood, tear, aqueous humor and tissues such as trabecular meshwork, vitreous body, retina, etc.Glaucoma is an optic nerve disease characterized by optic disc damage and visual field defect.Previous animal and human studies have provided some preliminary results on metabolites associated with glaucoma.Metabonomics, genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics constitute a bioinformatics system.Joint multi-omics research will be the direction of future development.On the basis of an overview of metabonomics, this paper reviewed the research progress of metabonomics in glaucoma based on different tissues and body fluid specimens.

Detection of aqueous humor cytokines in diabetic retinopathy and its clinical significance / 中华实验眼科杂志

Objective:To detect the concentration of various cytokines in aqueous humor of patients with diabetes retinopathy (DR) with Luminex liquid chip, and analyze the relationship between the cytokines and the occurrence and development of DR.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted.Sixty-three DR patients (97 eyes) treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs in the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from March 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019 were enrolled as DR group, including 38 nonproliferative DR (NPDR) eyes in NPDR group and 59 proliferative DR (PDR) eyes in PDR group, 39 eyes in photocoagulation group and 58 eyes in non-photocoagulation group.Twenty-seven patients (31 eyes) hospitalized for cataract surgery at the same time were collected as the control group.Aqueous humor was extracted during the operation, and Luminex liquid chip was used to detect the concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), placental growth factor (PLGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-AA, PDGF-BB, angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, IL-1β, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in aqueous humor.The concentrations of various cytokines of different groups were compared, and the correlation among various aqueous humor cytokines was analyzed by Spearman rank correlation analysis.This study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki.The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (No.Y[2019]230). Written informed consent was obtained from each patient.Results:The concentrations of VEGF-A, PLGF, PDGF-AA, ANGPTL4, IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1 and ICAM-1 in DR group were significantly higher and the concentration of IL-1β was significantly lower than those of control group ( Z=-4.747, -5.164, -3.373, -8.062, -4.535, -5.954, -5.098, -3.228, -5.954, all at P<0.01). The concentrations of VEGF-A, PLGF, PDGF-AA, ANGPTL4, IL-6, IL-8 and MCP-1 of the photocoagulation and non-photocoagulation groups were higher and the concentration of IL-1β was significantly lower than those in the control group (all at P<0.017). The concentration of ICAM-1 in the photocoagulation group was significantly higher than that in the control group ( P<0.017). The concentrations of PLGF, PDGF-AA and ANGPTL4 of PDR group were higher than those of NPDR group, and the differences were statistically significant ( Z=-2.291, -3.396, -2.276, all at P<0.05). VEGF-A was positively correlated with the other cytokines except ICAM-1 ( rs=0.237-0.540, all at P<0.05). ANGPTL4 was positively correlated with the other cytokines except IL-1β ( rs=0.361-0.733, all at P<0.01). Conclusions:The occurrence and development of DR are closely related to VEGF family, PDGF family, ANGPTL family and inflammatory factors.The concentrations of PLGF, PDGF-AA and ANGPTL4 are higher in PDR eyes.There are close and complex relationships among a variety of cytokines in the eyes of DR patients.

Zanthoxylum bungeanum Aqueous Extract Treated Rheumatoid Arthritis by Inhibiting Synovial Cell Proliferation and Inducing Cell Apoptosis / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect of the water extract of Zanthoxylum bungeanum aqueous extract（ZBAE）on rheumatoid arthritis. MethodThe sixty SD rats were divided into normal group， model group ［complete Freund's adjuvant （CFA）， 10 mg·kg-1］， methotrexate（MTX） group （0.25 mg·kg-1）， low -， medium -， and high-dose ZBAE groups （90， 180， 360 mg·kg-1）. The rats in MTX group were given intraperitoneal injection for two weeks， three times a week， and the rats in ZBAE group were administrated for 14 days. The swelling of the ankle joint and body weight were observed， and arthritis scores were also performed. Computed tomography （CT）， hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining and safranine-O and fast green staining were used to observe the effect of ZBAE on synovial hyperplasia and bone protection. Cell counting kit-8（CCK-8）method was used to detect the proliferation of the RA-FLSs cells treated with ZBAE. According to the results of CCK-8 experiment， the optimal concentration and time of administration were determined， blank group， low -， medium -， and high-dose ZBAE groups （0.08，0.10，0.12 g·L-1） were set up. The cell cycle distribution and apoptosis rate were analyzed by flow cytometry，the migration ability of RA-FLSs cells was examined by scratch test. Western blot was used to detect the effect of ZBAE on phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K）， protein kinase B （Akt）， cyclin-dependent kinase 2 （CDK2）， Cyclin A and phosphorylated PI3K， Akt （p-PI3K，p-Akt） protein expression in RA-FLSs cells. ResultCompared with the normal group，joint swelling index and arthritis score were increased in the model group （P<0.05），the bone of the ankle was seriously damaged， and there was obvious synovial hyperplasia. Compared with the model group， the ZBAE group could significantly reduce the joint swelling index （P<0.05）， inhibit synovial hyperplasia and cartilage destruction. In vitro study showed that compared with the blank group， ZBAE could inhibit the migration of RA-FLSs （P<0.05）， promoted cell apoptosis （P<0.05）， and acted on RA-FLSs cells in S phase to inhibit cell proliferation. Moreover， the result of Western blot showed that compared with the blank group， the expression of p-PI3K， p-Akt， CDK2 and Cyclin A proteins were significantly decreased in the high dose group of ZBAE （P<0.05）. ConclusionThese results suggest that ZBAE has a therapeutic effect on rheumatoid arthritis by inhibiting synovial hyperplasia， promoting synovial apoptosis and inhibiting its migration.

Acupuncture for aqueous deficiency dry eye: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVES@#To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of acupuncture and sodium hyaluronate eye drop in the treatment of aqueous deficiency dry eye.@*METHODS@#A total of 60 patients (120 eyes) with aqueous deficiency dry eye were randomly divided into an observation group (30 cases, 1 case dropped out) and a control group (30 cases, 1 case dropped out). In the control group, sodium hyaluronate eye drop were used, one drop at a time, 4 times a day, for 14 consecutive days. In the observation group, acupuncture was applied at bilateral Shangjingming (Extra), Cuanzhu (BL 2), Sizhukong (TE 23), Taiyang (EX-HN 5), and Tongziliao (GB 1) , once a day, treatment for 6 days with the interval of 1 day was required, for 14 consecutive days. The tear meniscus height (TMH), Schirmer Ⅰ test (SⅠT), ocular surface disease index (OSDI) score, non-invasive tear break-up time (NIBUT), and corneal fluorescein sodium staining (FLS) score were compared between the two groups before and after treatment, and the safety of the treatment of the two groups was observed.@*RESULTS@#Compared with those before treatment, after treatment, TMH, SⅠT and NIBUT were increased (P<0.01, P<0.05), and FLS scores were decreased (P<0.01) in the two groups; the score of OSDI was reduced (P<0.01) in the observation group. After treatment, in the observation group, TMH and SⅠT were higher than those in the control group (P<0.01), and the score of OSDI was lower than that in the control group (P<0.01). No adverse reactions and adverse events were observed in the two groups.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Acupuncture and sodium hyaluronate eye drop can both effectively treat aqueous deficiency dry eye, acupuncture has obvious advantages in improving TMH and basic tear secretion, and reducing the subjective symptoms of patients. Acupuncture for dry eye is safe.

Monoterpenes and hexenol glycosides from an aqueous extract of Monochasma savatieri / 药学学报

Twelve compounds, including 5 new monoterpenes and 7 known derivatives, were isolated from a water decoction of Monochasma savatieri by column chromatography over macroporous adsorbent resin, MCI resin, Sephadex LH-20, and HW-40C, combined with preparative TLC, reversed phase HPLC, and flash column chromatographic techniques. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive analysis of spectroscopic data, along with enzymatic hydrolysis as well as electronic circular dichroism (ECD) and NMR calculations, the new structures named monochaside I (1) and monochairidols A-D (2-5), respectively. The known compounds 6-12 were obtained from the Monochasma plants for the first time.

Expressions of inflammatory factors of aqueous humor before the surgery of chronic primary angle-closure glaucoma and its influence on prognosis / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To investigate the expression level of inflammatory factors of aqueous humor before trabeculectomy in binocular chronic primary angle-closure glaucoma(CPACG)and its correlation with postoperative filtration bleb and intraocular pressure.METHODS: A total of 15 cases(30 eyes)with binocular CPACG who admitted to the Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from September to December 2021 and received trabeculectomy were selected. The surgery interval between two eyes was 7d, and the preoperative expression levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1), interleukin-17(IL-17), transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β), and interferon-γ(IFN-γ)of the aqueous humor in both eyes were respectively detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Furthermore, the intraocular pressure(IOP)and the morphology of filtering blebs at 1mo after surgery were measured.RESULTS: The concentrations of MCP-1, IL-17, TGF-β, and IFN-γ in aqueous humor from the first eye before surgery were 330.4±46.2, 357.3±46.9, 2347.5±363.8 and 527.7±101.6pg/mL respectively, and those concentrations in aqueous humor from the fellow eye were 298.2±40.7, 309.1±53.5, 1938.3±426.0 and 628.2±104.9pg/mL respectively. The preoperative expression levels of inflammatory factors of aqueous humor in both eyes were statistically significant(P≤0.05). Furthermore, the expression levels of IL-17 and TGF-β in the aqueous humor of patients with CPACG correlated with IOP and the height of filtering blebs at 1mo after surgery(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05).CONCLUSION: There may be changes in the expression levels of inflammatory factors of aqueous humor in the fellow eye after surgery of the first eye. Moreover, the preoperative expression level of IL-17 and TGF-β in aqueous humor possibly related to postoperative IOP and the height of filtering bleb.

Minor triterpenoid acids from an aqueous extract of Uncaria rhynchophylla / 药学学报

Seventeen minor triterpenoid acids (1-17) were isolated from an aqueous decoction of Uncaria rhynchophylla by a combinatory application of column chromatography using multiple stationary phases, including macroporous adsorbent resin, MCI resin, Sephadex LH-20, Toyopearl HW-40C, silica gel, and C18 reversed phase silica gel, combined with separation techniques of flash chromatography (FC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Their structures were determined by analysis of HR-ESI-MS, UV, CD, and IR as well as 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data, of which eight new compounds (1-8) are named successively uncarinic acids Q-X, while the structures of 2 and 7 were confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction. In the in vitro assays, 27-hydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid (17) inhibited TGF-β-induced HSC-T6 cell activation at the concentration of 5 μmol·L-1.

Dimeric phthalides from an aqueous extract of the Angelica sinensis root head / 药学学报

Ten dimeric phthalide racemates (1-10) were isolated from an aqueous extract of the Angelica sinensis root head (Guitou) by separation techniques of column chromatography over macroporous adsorbent resin, MCI resin, silica gel, and Sephadex LH-20, together with preparative thin-layer chromatography and reversed phase HPLC. The racemates were further separated into (+)-/(-)-1-(+)-/(-)-10 with chiral HPLC. Their structures including absolute configurations were elucidated by comprehensive analysis of spectroscopic data, combined with electronic circular dichroism (ECD) and NMR calculations as well as single crystal X-ray diffractions. Compounds (+)-/(-)-1-(+)-/(-)-10 are either new structure or new natural product, named (+)-/(-)-angelidipthalidic acids A-H [(+)-/(-)-1-(+)-/(-)-8] and (+)-/(-)-angelidipthalidols A and B [(+)-/(-)-9 and (+)-/(-)-10], respectively. Meanwhile, dimeric phthalide mono- and bis-lactone derivatives with 3.3′a,8.6′- and 3.6′,8.3′a-coupling patterns as well as determination of their relative configurations are discussed.

Monoterpenes from an aqueous extract of the Angelica sinensis root head / 药学学报

Eleven monoterpenes including seven new chemical structures or new natural products covering two pairs of scalemic enantiomers, together with four known analogues, were isolated from an aqueous extract of the Angelica sinensis root head (Guitou) by separation techniques of column chromatography over macroporous adsorbent resin, MCI resin, silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, and Toyopearl HW-40C, together with preparative thin-layer chromatography as well as reversed phase and chiral HPLC. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic data analysis, combined with theoretic calculation of electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The new structures or new natural products named (+)-/(-)-angelinones A and B [(+)-/(-)-1 and (+)-/(-)-2], angelinones C and D (3 and 4), and angelinol A (5), respectively, while the known analogues were 6β,9-dihydroxy-(+)-α-pinene (6), 1,1,5-trimethyl-2-hydroxymethyl-cyclohexa-2,5-dien-4-one (7), jasminol E (8), and (+)-trans-sobrerol (9). All the isolates were reported in this plant for the first time, except for the previously reported 6 from an ethanol extract of the aerial parts of A. sinensis, of which the structure was confirmed by X-ray crystallography in this study.