A new suberin from roots of Ephedra sinica Stapf / 药学学报

Six compounds were isolated from the roots of Ephedra sinica Stapf using various chromatographic techniques such as silica gel column chromatography, thin layer chromatography and semi-preparative HPLC. Their chemical structures were identified by analysis of physicochemical properties and spectral data, and determined as (Z)-docosanylferulate (1), (E)-docosanylferulate (2), bis (2-ethylheptyl) phythalate (3), 2,2′-oxybis (1,4-di-tert-butylbenzene) (4), diisobutyl phthalate (5), bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (6). Among them, compound 1 is a new compound, compounds 2-4 were first isolated from Ephedra. A corticosterone-induced PC-12 cell injury model was used for compound activity screening. The results showed that compounds 1 and 5 significantly improved corticosterone-induced PC-12 cell injury and significantly increased 5-HT7 receptor protein expression in the cells, indicating potential antidepressant activity.

Characteristics of anorectal motility in elderly patients with functional defecation disorders / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective:To investigate the characteristics of anorectal dynamics in elderly patients with functional defecation disorders(FDD), and to provide a basis for their diagnosis, treatment and prevention.Methods:In this retrospective study, 226 patients with FDD receiving 3D high-resolution anorectal manometry were divided into an elderly group(93 cases)and a non-elderly group(133 cases). Results from anorectal manometry parameters were compared and analysis of patterns of anorectal pressure changes in elderly participants based on sex, the Bristol stool classification and clinical symptoms was conducted.Results:The resting anal pressure, rectal pressure and anal relaxation rate were lower( t=-3.407, -2.051, Z=2.548, P=0.001, 0.040, 0.011)and the volume of first sensation was higher( t=1.998, P=0.047)in the elderly group than in the non-elderly group.The maximum anal squeezing pressure, residual anal pressure and maximum tolerated volume were higher( t=4.589, 4.730, 2.025, all P<0.05), whereas the anal relaxation rate and anorectal pressure gradient were lower in elderly men than in elderly women( Z=4.059, t=-3.714, P<0.001 for both). Regarding the types of FDD, both the elderly group and the non-elderly group were dominated with type Ⅱ defecation disorder, with more men than women having type Ⅱ defecation disorder in the elderly group( χ2=10.343, P=0.001). In cases of paradoxical sphincter contraction during simulated defecation, the incidence in the elderly group was 80.65%(75/93), which was higher than 68.42%(91/133)in the non-elderly group( χ2=4.194, P=0.041). The volume of first sensation, volume of first defecation sensation, and maximum tolerated volume of patients in the elderly group without the urge to defecate were(59.86±23.84)ml, (96.76±34.61)ml, and(144.32±30.57)ml, respectively, higher than those of patients with the urge to defecate(46.79±17.20)ml, (75.26±28.75)ml, and(120.00±40.28)ml( t=-2.241, -2.493, -2.891, P=0.027, 0.014, 0.005). The rectal pressure(26.52±16.08)mmHg of patients with defecation dyssynergia was lower than that of patients without defecation dyssynergia(39.91±8.82)mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa)( t=-3.128, P=0.002), while the resting anal pressure of patients with defecation dyssynergia(90.60±28.44)mmHg was higher than that of patients without defecation dyssynergia(73.65±27.10)mmHg( t=-2.201, P=0.030). The resting anal pressure and maximum anal squeezing pressure in patients with anal blockage sensation[(87.11±24.64)mmHg, (149.28±48.29)mmHg]were higher than those in patients without anal blockage sensation[(72.43±20.02)mmHg, (121.76±26.35)mmHg]( t=2.954、3.066, P=0.004、0.003). There was no significant difference in values from parameters of anorectal dynamics between patients with different Bristol stool types, with and without incomplete defecation or with different degrees of abdominal distension(all P>0.05). Conclusions:Anorectal dynamics in patients with FDD are characterized by paradoxical anal sphincter movements, but older patients with FDD are mainly characterized by inadequate rectal propulsion, pelvic floor muscle dysfunction and reduced rectal sensitivity.

Risk analysis of blood glucose variation in type 2 diabetic STEMI patients with different HbA 1c levels undergoing emergency PCI / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To investigate the impact of short-term variability in fasting blood glucose (FPG) on the recent major cardiovascular adverse events (MACE) in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) with different levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA 1c) . Methods:Retrospective analysis was made on the patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who underwent emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) due to STEMI from January 2016 to March 2020 in Shenzhen Hospital, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. The patients were divided into HbA 1c compliant group (<6.5%) and non-compliant group (≥6.5%). The blood glucose variability indexes defined included FPG variability score (FPG-VS), variability index independent of FPG mean (VIM) and mean fast plasma glucose (FPG-M). The logistic regression model was used to evaluate the relationship between different HbA 1c levels, blood glucose variability risk indicators, and MACE. Results:A total of 612 patients were ultimately included in the analysis. The blood glucose variability indicators (FPG-VS, VIM) of the HbA 1c non-compliant group (302 cases) were higher than those of the compliant group (310 cases): [FPG-VS: (0.7±0.3) vs (0.4±0.4), P<0.001, VIM: (0.4±0.2) vs (0.3±0.2), P<0.001], while there was no statistically significant difference in FPG-M between the two groups [(7.9±3.2) vs (8.0±3.9), P=0.221]. In the HbA 1c non-compliant group, the correlation between FPG-VS, VIM, and FPG-M and the risk of MACE within 30 days was 0.89(95% CI: 0.69-1.15), 1.21(95% CI: 0.65-2.25), and 1.06(95% CI: 0.97-1.16), respectively (all P>0.05). In the HbA 1c compliant group, FPG-VS was associated with an increase in MACE risk within 30 days ( P=0.04): for each increase in FPG variation ≥1 mmol/L, after multiple factor adjustment, the risk of MACE increased by 8% within 30 days ( OR=1.08, 95% CI: 0.71-1.65); Compared with FPG-VS<20%, FPG-VS≥80% increased the risk of MACE within 30 days by 33% ( OR=1.33, 95% CI: 0.21-8.25, P<0.01), while the correlation between VIM and FPG-M and the risk of MACE within 30 days was 1.65(95% CI: 0.96-2.83) and 1.15(95% CI: 0.98-1.35), respectively (all P>0.05). Conclusions:High FPG-VS is associated with the recent MACE risk in STEMI patients who do not meet HbA 1c standards. After reaching HbA 1c standards, FPG-VS remains an independent MACE risk factor.

Pharmacodynamics of human interferon α1b against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 Omicron strain in vitro / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To evaluate the pharmacodynamics of human interferon(IFN)α1b against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)Omicron strain in vitro.Methods Total four drugs human IFNα1b bulk,human IFNα1b eye drops,human IFNα1b spray and Remdesivir were detected for cytotoxicity by CCK-8 assay.The inhibitory effect of human IFNα1b on SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strains(BA.5/BA.2/BA.1)was determined by qPCR.Results Human IFNα1b bulk of the maximum concentration(1 × 107IU/mL)and Remdesivir of the maximum concentration(150 μmol/L)did not achieve half cytotoxicity to Vero cells;The median cytotoxicity concentrations(CC_(50))of human IFNα1b eye drops and human IFNα1b sprays were 29 958 and 37 550 IU/mL,respectively,showing toxicity to Vero cells.The median effective concentrations(EC_(50))of human IFNα1b against virus strains BA.1,BA.2 and BA.5 after incubation for 2 h in advance were 9.30,13.38 and 12.33 IU/mL and those of Remdesivir were 0.314 7,0.291 0 and0.300 3 μmol/L.When incubation with virus simultaneously,the EC_(50)of human IFNα1b to BA.1,BA.2 and BA.5 were19.68,10.91 and 18.84 IU/mL and those of the control drug Remdesivir were 0.320 5,0.274 4 and 0.304 1 μmol/L,respectively.Conclusion At the cell level in vitro,human IFNα1b of very low activity showed a good inhibitory effect on SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain,which was expected to be a clinical specific drug for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain infection.

A new flavonoid glycoside from Epimedium sagittatum / 药学学报

Fourteen flavonoids were isolated and purified from Epimedium sagittatum by various chromatography techniques such as macroporous adsorbent resin, silica gel, ODS, Sephadex LH-20, HW-40C and semi-preparative HPLC. Their structures were identified by analysis of physicochemical properties and spectral data, and determined as 3′-hydroxy-baohuoside-Ⅱ (1), huazhongilexone-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), kaempferol-3-O-α-L-rhamnoside (3), baohuoside-Ⅱ (4), icariside-Ⅱ (5), kaempferol 3,7-di-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (6), (+)-aromadendrin (7), kaempferol 3-O-(2-O-β-D-apiofuranosyl)-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (8), sagittatoside A (9), 2″-O-rhamnosyl icariside-II (10), apigenin-7-O-β-D-glucoside (11), quercetin 3-O-β-D-apiofuranoyl-(1→2)-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (12), kaempferol (13), icariin (14). Among them, compound 1 is a new compound, while compounds 2, 6-8, 11, and 12 were isolated from E.sagittatum for the first time.

miR-34b-3p Inhibition of eIF4E Causes Post-stroke Depression in Adult Mice / 神经科学通报·英文版

Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a serious and common complication of stroke, which seriously affects the rehabilitation of stroke patients. To date, the pathogenesis of PSD is unclear and effective treatments remain unavailable. Here, we established a mouse model of PSD through photothrombosis-induced focal ischemia. By using a combination of brain imaging, transcriptome sequencing, and bioinformatics analysis, we found that the hippocampus of PSD mice had a significantly lower metabolic level than other brain regions. RNA sequencing revealed a significant reduction of miR34b-3p, which was expressed in hippocampal neurons and inhibited the translation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E). Furthermore, silencing eIF4E inactivated microglia, inhibited neuroinflammation, and abolished the depression-like behaviors in PSD mice. Together, our data demonstrated that insufficient miR34b-3p after stroke cannot inhibit eIF4E translation, which causes PSD by the activation of microglia in the hippocampus. Therefore, miR34b-3p and eIF4E may serve as potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of PSD.

Clinical Characteristics of Aggressive NK-Cell Leukemia / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore and summarize the clinical characteristics and treatment of aggressive NK-cell leukemia (ANKL), and provide new insights for clinical diagnosis and treatment of this disease.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 7 patients with ANKL admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College from March 2014 to July 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, and their clinical characteristics, laboratory and imaging results, treatment and outcomes were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#Among the 7 patients, 5 were males and 2 were females, with a median age of 47 (33-69) years old. The morphology of bone marrow cells in 7 patients showed similar large granular lymphocytes. Immunophenotyping revealed abnormal NK cells in 5 cases. By the end of follow-up, 6 cases died and 1 case survived, with a median survival time of 76.9 (4-347) days.@*CONCLUSION@#ANKL is a rare disease with short course and poor prognosis. If combined with hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS), the prognosis is even worse. There is no unified treatment method at present, and the use of PD-1 inhibitors may prolong the survival in some patients.

Aqueous extract of Epimedium sagittatum mitigates pulmonary fibrosis in mice / 中国中药杂志

This study aims to investigate the intervention effect of the aqueous extract of Epimedium sagittatum Maxim on the mouse model of bleomycin(BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis, so as to provide data support for the clinical treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. Ninety male C57BL/6N mice were randomized into normal(n=10), model(BLM, n=20), pirfenidone(PFD, 270 mg·kg~(-1), n=15), and low-, medium-, and high-dose E. sagittatum extract(1.67 g·kg~(-1), n=15; 3.33 g·kg~(-1), n=15; 6.67 g·kg~(-1), n=15) groups. The model of pulmonary fibrosis was established by intratracheal instillation of BLM(5 mg·kg~(-1)) in the other five groups except the normal group, which was treated with an equal amount of normal saline. On the day following the modeling, each group was treated with the corresponding drug by gavage for 21 days. During this period, the survival rate of the mice was counted. After gavage, the lung index was calculated, and the morphology and collagen deposition of the lung tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) and Masson staining, respectively. The levels of reactive oxygen species(ROS) in lung cell suspensions were measured by flow cytometry. The levels of glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px), total superoxide dismutase(T-SOD), and malondialdehyde(MDA) the in lung tissue were measured. Terminal-deoxynucleoitidyl transferase-mediated nick-end labeling(TUNEL) was employed to examine the apoptosis of lung tissue cells. The content of interleukin-6(IL-6), chemokine C-C motif ligand 2(CCL-2), matrix metalloproteinase-8(MMP-8), transforming growth factor-beta 1(TGF-β1), alpha-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA), E-cadherin, collagen Ⅰ, and fibronectin in the lung tissue was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The expression levels of F4/80, Ly-6G, TGF-β1, and collagen Ⅰ in the lung tissue were determined by immunohistochemistry. The mRNA levels of CCL-2, IL-6, and MMP-7 in the lung tissue were determined by qRT-PCR. The content of hydroxyproline(HYP) in the lung tissue was determined by alkaline hydrolysation. The expression of α-SMA and E-cadherin was detected by immunofluorescence, and the protein levels of α-SMA, vimentin, E-cadherin in the lung tissue were determined by Western blot. The results showed the aqueous extract of E. sagittatum increased the survival rate, decreased the lung index, alleviated the pathological injury, collagen deposition, and oxidative stress in the lung tissue, and reduced the apoptotic cells. Furthermore, the aqueous extract of E. sagittatum down-regulated the protein levels of F4/80 and Ly-6G and the mRNA levels of CCL-2, IL-6, and MMP-7 in the lung tissue, reduced the content of IL-6, CCL-2, and MMP-8 in the alveolar lavage fluid. In addition, it lowered the levels of HYP, TGF-β1, α-SMA, collagen Ⅰ, fibronectin, and vimentin, and elevated the levels of E-cadherin in the lung tissue. The aqueous extract of E. sagittatum can inhibit collagen deposition, alleviate oxidative stress, and reduce inflammatory response by regulating the expression of the molecules associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition, thus alleviating the symptoms of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice.

Platycladi Semen oil ameliorates Aβ_(25-35)-induced brain injury in mice based on network pharmacology and gut microbiota / 中国中药杂志

The present study aimed to investigate the protective effect and underlying mechanism of Platycladi Semen oil(SP) on Aβ_(25-35)-induced brain injury in mice to provide a theoretical basis for the clinical treatment of Alzheimer's disease(AD). Male Kunming(KM) mice were randomly divided into a control group, a model group(brain injection of Aβ_(25-35), 200 μmol·L~(-1), 0.15 μL·g~(-1)), a positive drug group(donepezil, 10 mg·kg~(-1)), and low-and high-dose SP groups(0.5 and 1 mL·kg~(-1)). Learning and memory ability, neuronal damage, levels of Aβ_(1-42)/Aβ_(1-40), p-Tau, related indicators of apoptosis and oxidative stress, and immune cells, and protein and mRNA expression related to the sphingosine kinase 1(SPHK1)/sphingosine-1-phosphate(S1P)/sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 5(S1PR5) signaling pathway of mice in each group were determined. In addition, compounds in SP were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS). The mechanism of SP against AD was investigated by network pharmacology, 16S rDNA gene sequencing for gut microbiota(GM), and molecular docking techniques. The results showed that SP could improve the learning and memory function of Aβ_(25-35)-induced mice, reduce hippocampal neuronal damage, decrease the levels of Aβ_(1-42)/Aβ_(1-40), p-Tau, and indicators related to apoptosis and oxidative stress in the brain, and maintain the homeostasis of immune cells and GM. Network pharmacology and sequencing analysis for GM showed that the therapeutic effect of SP on AD was associated with the sphingolipid signaling pathway. Meanwhile,(Z,Z,Z)-9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid and(Z,Z)-9,12-octadecadienoic acid, the components with the highest content in SP, showed good binding activity to SPHK1 and S1PR5. Therefore, it is inferred that SP exerts anti-apoptosis and antioxidant effects by regulating GM and inhibiting SPHK1/S1P/S1PR5 pathway, thereby improving brain injury induced by Aβ_(25-35) in mice. Moreover,(Z,Z,Z)-9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid and(Z,Z)-9,12-octadecadienoic acid may be the material basis for the anti-AD effect of SP.

Effect of aqueous extract of Corni Fructus on Aβ_(25-35)-induced brain injury and neuroinflammation in mice with Alzheimer's disease / 中国中药杂志

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of aqueous extract of Corni Fructus on β-amyloid protein 25-35(Aβ_(25-35))-induced brain injury and neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease(AD) mice to provide an experimental basis for the treatment of AD by aqueous extract of Corni Fructus. Sixty C57BL/6J male mice were randomly divided into a sham group, a model group, a positive control group(huperizine A, 0.2 mg·kg~(-1)), a low-dose aqueous extract of Corni Fructus group(1.3 g·kg~(-1)), a medium-dose aqueous extract of Corni Fructus group(2.6 g·kg~(-1)), and a high-dose aqueous extract of Corni Fructus group(5.2 g·kg~(-1)). The AD model was induced by lateral ventricular injection of Aβ_(25-35) in mice except for those in the sham group, and AD model mice were treated with corresponding drugs by gavage for 24 days. The behavioral test was performed one week before animal dissection. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was performed to observe the morphology of neurons in the hippocampal region. Flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis level of primary hippocampal cells in mice. ELISA kits were used to detect the levels of β-amyloid protein 1-42(Aβ_(1-42)) and phosphorylated microtubule-associated protein Tau(p-Tau) in mouse brain tissues. Immunofluorescence and Western blot were used to detect the expression of related proteins in mouse brain tissues. MTT assay was used to detect the effect of compounds in aqueous extract of Corni Fructus on Aβ_(25-35)-induced N9 cell injury. Molecular docking was employed to analyze the interactions of caffeic acid, trans-p-hydroxy cinnamic acid, isolariciresinol-9'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, esculetin, and(+)-lyoniresinol with β-amyloid precursor protein(APP), interleukin-6(IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α). Aqueous extract of Corni Fructus could improve the learning and memory abilities of Aβ_(25-35)-induced mice by increasing the duration of the autonomous activity, the rate of autonomous alternation, the preference coefficient, and the discrimination coefficient, and reduce Aβ_(25-35)-induced brain injury and neuroinflammation in mice by increasing the expression levels of interleukin-10(IL-10) and B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2) in brain tissues, decreasing the expression levels of Aβ_(1-42), p-Tau, IL-6, TNF-α, cysteine aspartate-specific protease 3(caspase-3), cysteine aspartate-specific protease 9(caspase-9), and Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax), and decreasing the number of activated glial cells in brain tissues. The results of cell experiments showed that esculetin and(+)-lyoniresinol could improve Aβ_(25-35)-induced N9 cell injury. Molecular docking results showed that caffeic acid, trans-p-hydroxy cinnamic acid, isolariciresinol-9'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, esculetin, and(+)-lyoniresinol had good binding affinity with APP and weak binding affinity with IL-6 and TNF-α. Aqueous extract of Corni Fructus could ameliorate cognitive dysfunction and brain damage in Aβ_(25-35)-induced mice by reducing the number of apoptotic cells and activated glial cells in the brain and decreasing the expression level of inflammatory factors. Caffeic acid, trans-p-hydroxy cinnamic acid, isolariciresinol-9'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, esculetin, and(+)-lyoniresinol may be the material basis for the anti-AD effect of aqueous extract of Corni Fructus.

Laboratory Evaluation of the Insecticidal Toxins from Entomopathogenic Nematode Symbiotic Bacteria to Control Vegetable Diseases and Pests

Aims: This research explored the effect of exogenous abscisic acid (ABA) treatment on sugar metabolism in tomato fruits, and provided theoretical basis for the regulation of ABA on the growth and development of tomato fruits. Study Design: The whole tomato plant was treated by spraying with 50 mg·L-1 ABA. Spraying distilled water was as the control. Place and Duration of Study: College of Biological Science and Technology, between February 2019 and March 2020. Methodology: The contents of soluble sugar in tomato fruits were measured with HPLC (High performance liquid chromatography). The enzyme extraction and activities were followed the biochemical method. Results: Exogenous ABA treatment reduced the weight and transverse meridians of the fruit at the ripening stage, but increased the contents of fructose, glucose and sucrose in the fruit. At the same time, it also increased the activities of acid invertase, neutral invertase, and sucrose phosphate synthase at the ripening stage. Conclusions: Exogenous ABA treatment was beneficial to the accumulation of sugar in tomato fruit and improved tomato quality. Therefore, it could be applied to tomato production.

Arbutin isolated from Chinese yam inhibits LPS-induced NRK-52e cell apoptosis by ERp / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the effect of arbutin on apoptosis of NRK-52e cells induced by LPS and the potential mechanism.Methods The model of NRK- 52e cells injury was constructed by LPS, and NRK-52e cells were divided into control, LPS ( 1 mg • L 1 ) , low dose arbutin (LPS, 1 mg • L 1 + arbutin, 5 (xmol • L_l ) , high dose arbutin ( LPS, 1 mg • L 1 + arbutin , 10 (xmol • L 1 ) and its corresponding inhibitor THC group ( 1 (xmol • L 1).The cell viability was detected ; the levels of ROS, apoptosis, Ca~' concentration and mitochondrial membrane potential ( MMP ) were detected by flow cytometry; the levels of key apoptosis proteins were detected by in cell western; the binding activity of arbutin with ER(3 was imitated by molecular docking technology, and verified by in cell western.Results Arbutin could effectively regulate the levels of ROS, Ca"+ , apoptosis proteins and ER(3 in NRK-52e cells induced by LPS and inhibit the de- cline of MMP, which is blocked by estrogen receptor inhibitor THC.In addition, arbutin has good binding activity with ERf}.Conclusion This study confirms that arbutin could inhibit LPS-induced apoptosis of NRK-52e cells through ER£.

Chemical constituents from fruits of Cornus officinalis and their anti-Alzheimer's disease activity / 药学学报

Fifteen compounds were isolated from fruits of Cornus officinalis by various chromatographic techniques such as Toyopearl HW-40C, Sephadex LH-20, silica gel, and the semi-preparative HPLC. Their chemical structures were identified by analysis of physicochemical properties and spectral data, and determined as neolignan A (1), caffeic acid (2), trans-p-hydroxy cinnamic acid (3), esculetin (4), scopoletin (5), benzyl-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (6), tachioside (7), 6-O-(4-hydroxybenzoyl) arbutin (8), 2-(3′,4′-dihydroxyphenyl)-1,3-benzodioxole-5-carboxaldehyde (9), (-)-pinoresinol-4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (10), (7S,8R)-dihydrodehydrodiconiferyl alcohol-9-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (11), (7S,8R)-dihydrodehydrodiconiferyl alcohol-9′-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (12), (+)-lyoniresinol (13), (+)-isolariciresinol-9-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (14), and isolariciresinol-9′-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (15). Compound 1 was a new compound and named as neolignan A, and compounds 6-9 and 14 were isolated from Cornus officinalis for the first time. Compounds 2, 3 and 15 efficiently alleviated the PC12 cells injury induced by Aβ25-35, suggesting their potential anti-Alzheimer's disease activity.

Preliminary evaluation on the efficacy of emergency transcatheter aortic valve replacement: a multicenter study / 中华心血管病杂志

Objectives: To explore the efficacy and safety of emergency transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Methods: Data of patients who underwent emergency TAVR in eight centers, namely Fuwai Hospital, Wuhan Asia Heart Hospital, Xijing Hospital, Union Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, between May 2017 and December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The use of mechanical circulatory support system (MCS) and the results of laboratory tests (N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP)) and echocardiography (mean aortic valve cross valve pressure difference and left ventricular ejection fraction) before and after operation were collected. The primary endpoint was all-cause death, and the secondary endpoints were stroke, major bleeding, major vascular complications, myocardial infarction, permanent pacemaker implantation, and acute renal injury. Device success was caculated, which refered to absence of procedural mortality and correct positioning of a single prosthetic heart valve into the proper anatomical location and intended performance of the prosthetic heart valve (mean aortic valve gradient<20 mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) or peak velocity<3 m/s, with no moderate or severe prosthetic valve regurgitation). Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to estimate the survival rate of patients during follow-up. Results: This study included 48 patients. The age was (72.5±8.1) years, and 34 patients were males (70.8%). Device success rate was 91.7% (44/48). The mean aortic valve transvalvular pressure was significantly decreased after operation ((12.3±6.4)mmHg vs. (60.2±23.8)mmHg, P<0.000 1). Left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly increased ((41.5±11.7)% vs. (31.0±11.3)%, P<0.000 1). NT-proBNP significantly decreased (3 492.0 (1 638.8, 7 165.5) ng/L vs. 12 418.5 (6 693.8, 35 000.0) ng/L, P<0.000 1). In-hospital all-cause mortality was 8.3% (4/48). During hospitalization, the rate of stroke was 2.1% (1/48), major bleeding was 6.3% (3/48), major vascular complications was 10.4% (5/48), myocardial infarction was 4.2% (2/48), permanent pacemaker implantation was 6.3% (3/48), and the rate of acute renal injury was 12.5% (6/48). MCS was used in 20 patients (41.7%). The median follow-up time was 196 days. During the follow-up, one patient died (due to systemic metastasis of pancreatic cancer), two cases suffered new myocardial infarction and one case received permanent pacemaker implantation. The survival rate of 30 days, 1 year and 2 years after the operation were 91.7% (44/48), 89.6% (43/48), 89.6% (43/48), respectively. Conclusion: Emergency TAVR may be a safe and effective treatment for patients with severe decompensated aortic valve stenosis.

Effects of Tingli Dazao Xiefei Decoction on the immune inflammation and intestinal flora in asthmatic rats / 药学学报

The study aims to explore the intervention mechanism of Tingli Dazao Xiefei Decoction on asthma from the perspective of immune inflammation and intestinal flora, providing a theoretical basis for guiding clinical medication. The ovalbumin (OVA) asthmatic rat model was established by intraperitoneal injection of OVA sensitization solution and aerosol challenge, and divided into control (CON), model (M), dexamethasone group (DEX, 0.075 mg·kg-1) and Tingli Dazao Xiefei Decoction (TLDZ, 3.5 g·kg-1). Firstly, the effects of Tingli Dazao Xiefei Decoction on asthma symptoms of rats, lung and trachea pathological changes of asthmatic rats were observed by inducing cough and asthma experiment, phenol red excretion, hematoxylin-eosin staining (H&E), Masson and periodic acid Schiff (PAS) staining; the levels of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), interleukin (IL) 6 and IL-10 in rat serum and the levels of interferon γ (IFN-γ), immunoglobulin E (IgE), IL-4, IL-17A and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were detected by ELISA; the mRNA levels of IL-5, IL-13 and IL-33 in the lung were determined by qRT-PCR; the levels of macrophages and neutrophils in the spleen and the levels of natural killer cell (NK), helper T cell (Thc), dendritic cell (DC), regulatory T cell (Treg) and T helper cell 17 (Th17) in the peripheral blood were measured by flow cytometry combined with immunohistochemistry; the intestinal flora of asthmatic rats were analyzed by 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing. Pathology and inflammatory results showed that Tingli Dazao Xiefei Decoction could effectively alleviate the asthma symptoms in rats, improve the pathological changes of lung tissue, reduce the production of goblet cells and collagen fibers, and reduce the inflammatory response in asthmatic rats; the results of immune cells showed that Tingli Dazao Xiefei Decoction could effectively increase the levels of NK, Thc, DC and Treg cells and reduce the levels of macrophages, neutrophils and Th17 cells in asthmatic rats; the results of intestinal flora showed that Tingli Dazao Xiefei Decoction could increase the levels of Lactobacillus, Ruminococcus, Christensenellaceae, Bifidobacterium and Eubacterium]_xylanophilum-group, and decrease the levels of Firmicutes, Desulfovibrio, Mucispirillum and Romboutsia in asthmatic rats. Therefore, it is speculated that Tingli Dazao Xiefei Decoction can improve the symptom of asthmatic rats by regulating the immune inflammation and intestinal flora in the asthmatic rats. All animal experiments in this article were approved by the Ethics Committee of Henan University of Chinese Medicine.

Active components of Descurainia sophia improve lung permeability in rats with allergic asthma by regulating airway inflammation and epithelial damage / 中国中药杂志

The present study investigated the effect of active components of Descurainia sophia on allergic asthma and explored the underlying mechanism. SD male rats were randomly divided into a normal group(NC), a model group(M), a D. sophia decoction group(DS), a D. sophia fatty oil group(FO), a D. sophia flavonoid glycoside group(FG), a D. sophia oligosaccharide group(Oli), and a positive drug dexamethasone group(Y). The allergic asthma model was induced in rats by intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin(OVA) and aluminum hydroxide gel adjuvant(sensitization) and atomization of OVA solution(excitation). After modeling, asthma-related indicators, tracheal phenol red excretion, inflammatory cell levels in the peripheral blood, lung permeability index(LPI), and oxygenation index(OI) of rats were detected. The pathological changes of lung tissues were observed by HE staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the content of inflammatory factors immunoglobulin E(IgE), interleukin-4(IL-4), and interferon-γ(IFN-γ) in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF) and the content of endothelin-1(ET-1) and angiotensin-converting enzyme(ACE) in lung tissue homogenate. The serum content of nitric oxide(NO) was detected by colorimetry. Western blot was employed to determine the protein expression of Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4), nuclear factor κB-p65(NF-κB-p65), phosphorylated NF-κB-p65(p-NF-κB-p65), myosin light chain kinase(MLCK), vascular endothelial cadherin(VE cadherin), connexin 43, and claudin 5, and the mechanism of active components of D. sophia on allergic asthma was explored. As revealed by the results, the M group showed extensive infiltration of inflammatory cells around the bronchus of the lung tissues of the allergic asthma rats, thickened bronchial wall, severely deformed alveolar structure, increased number of wheezes, the content of IgE, IL-4, ET-1, and ACE, inflammatory cells, and LPI, and reduced latency of asthma, tracheal phenol red excretion, IFN-γ, NO content, and OI. After the intervention of the active components of D. sophia, the DS, FO, FG, Oli, and Y groups showed improved asthma-related indicators, tracheal phenol red excretion, and lung tissue lesions in allergic asthma rats, and the effects in the FO and Oli groups were superior. The content of inflammatory factors in BALF was recovered in the DS, FO, and Y groups and the FG and Oli groups. The number of inflammatory cells in rats was reduced in the DS and FO groups, and the FG, Oli, and Y groups to varying degrees, and the effect in the FO group was superior. DS, FO, Oli, and Y reduced ET-1, ACE, and LPI and increased NO and OI. FG recovered NO, ET-1, ACE, LPI, and OI to improve lung epithelial damage and permeability. Further investigation of inflammation-related TLR4/NF-κB pathways, MLCK, and related skeleton protein levels showed that TLR4, NF-κB-p65, p-NF-κB-p65, and MLCK levels were increased, and VE cadherin, connexin 43, and claudin 5 were reduced in the M group. DS, FO, FG, Oli, and Y could reduce the protein expression related to the TLR4 pathway to varying degrees, and regulate the protein expression of MLCK, VE cadherin, connexin 43, and claudin 5. It is inferred that the active components of D. sophia improve lung permeability in rats with allergic asthma presumedly by regulating the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway to improve airway inflammation, mediating MLCK and connexin, and regulating epithelial damage.

The development of small-molecule inhibitors targeting MYC / 药学学报

The MYC gene, one of the most common dysregulated driver genes in human cancers, is composed of three paralogous genes C-MYC, N-MYC and L-MYC. It is abnormally activated in more than half of cancer types. Since MYC plays an important role in the formation, maintenance and progression of cancer, targeting MYC is an effective strategy for cancer treatment. As a potential anti-cancer target, MYC is considered "undruggable" because it lacks a suitable pocket for accommodating small molecule inhibitors. Recently, under the guidance of protein structure information and many computational tools, many indirect strategies to inhibit MYC have emerged and shown favorable anti-cancer effects in tumor models. In this paper, the recent small molecules that indirectly target MYC are divided into inhibitors acting on the protein-protein interaction (PPI) among MYC and other proteins, and targeting inhibitors regulating MYC action. Additionally, the introduction and assessment towards compounds with different mechanisms are summarized to provide reference for the further research of MYC inhibitors.

A new nucleoside from the Oenothera biennis L / 药学学报

Seven nucleoside compounds were isolated from the Oenothera biennis L. by various chromatographic techniques such as Diaion HP-20, silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, MCI and semi-preparative HPLC. Their structures were identified by analysis of physicochemical properties and spectral data, and determined as 9-(3′-carbonyl methyl)hydroxypurine (1), 1-(3′-carbonyl methyl)purine-6,8-dione (2), N-methyl-2-pyridone-5-carboxamide (3), uracil (4), uridine (5), thymidine (6) and 2′-Ο-methoxy luridine (7). Compound 1 is a new nucleoside and compounds 2-7 were newly isolated from the Oenothera biennis L. Compounds 1-2 can significantly increase the viability of BEAS-2B cells induced by TGF-β1, showing potent anti-pulmonary fibrosis activity.

The correlation of serum cartilage glycoprotein 39 and angiopoietin-like protein 3 levels with left ventricular dysfunction in elderly patients of coronary heart disease with heart failure / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective:To analyze the relationship of serum cartilage glycoprotein 39(YKL-40)and angiopoietin-like protein 3(ANGPTL3)with left ventricular dysfunction in elderly coronary heart disease(CHD)patients with heart failure(HF).Methods:The 84 elderly patients divided into group of CHD with HF, and 80 patients divided into group of CHD without HF treated in Shekou People's Hospital of Nanshan District, Shenzhen City from January 2018 to December 2019 were enrolled in this study.Evaluation of the left ventricular function meets the cardiac function classification standard of(NYHA). Serum YKL-40 and ANGPTL3 levels in all patients were detected.The relationships of serum YKL-40 and ANGPTL3 levels with the left ventricular dysfunction were analyzed in the two groups.Results:Serum levels of YKL-40 and ANGPTL3 were higher in the group of CHD with HF than in the group of CHD without HF[(81.24±6.32)μg/L vs.(69.33±5.89)μg/L, and(42.40±5.03)μg/L vs.(30.25±4.23)μg/L, t=12.469 and 16.700, both P<0.001]. Of 84 patients of CHD with HF assessed by NYHA heart function, 35 cases were in the mild group and 49 cases were in the severe group.Logistic regression analysis showed that the elevated serum level of serum YKL-40 and ANGPTL3 was positively correlated with the severity of left ventricular dysfunction in patients of CHD with heart failure( OR=1.548 and 1.854, P=0.002 and 0.001). The receiver operator characteristic(ROC)curve showed that the area under the ROC curve(AUC)of YKL-40, ANGPTL3 alone and the combined index in predicting left ventricular dysfunction in CHD with heart failure were >0.80, and the best predictive value could be obtained when the cut-off values of YKL-40 and ANGPTL3 were 79.535 μg/L and 40.805 μg/L, respectively. Conclusions:The elevated serum level of YKL-40 and ANGPTL3 may indicate the more severe left ventricular dysfunction in patients of CHD with heart failure.Early monitoring of serumYKL-40 and ANGPTL3 levels has an important clinical significance in guiding early prediction and intervention of left ventricular dysfunction in patients of CHD with heart failure.