Quercetin Attenuates Atherosclerosis via Modulating Apelin Signaling Pathway Based on Plasma Metabolomics / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To interpret the pharmacology of quercetin in treatment of atherosclerosis (AS).@*METHODS@#Fourteen apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE-/-) mice were divided into 2 groups by a random number table: an AS model (ApoE-/-) group and a quercetin treatment group (7 in each). Seven age-matched C57 mice were used as controls (n=7). Quercetin [20 mg/(kg·d)] was administered to the quercetin group intragastrically for 8 weeks for pharmacodynamic evaluation. Besides morphological observation, the distribution of CD11b, F4/80, sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) and P21 was assayed by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence to evaluate macrophage infiltration and tissue senescence. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MSC/MS) was performed to study the pharmacology of quercetin against AS. Then, simultaneous administration of an apelin receptor antagonist (ML221) with quercetin was conducted to verify the possible targets of quercetin. Key proteins in apelin signaling pathway, such as angiotensin domain type 1 receptor-associated proteins (APJ), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), tissue plasminogen activator (TPA), uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and angiotensin II receptor 1 (AT1R), were assayed by Western blot.@*RESULTS@#Quercetin administration decreased lipid deposition in arterial lumen and improved the morphology of ApoE-/- aortas in vivo. Quercetin decreased the densities of CD11b, F4/80 and P21 in the aorta and increased the level of serum apelin and the densities of APJ and Sirt1 in the aorta in ApoE-/- mice (all P<0.05). Plasma metabolite profiling identified 118 differential metabolites and showed that quercetin affected mainly glycerophospholipids and fatty acyls. Bioinformatics analysis suggested that the apelin signaling pathway was one of the main pathways. Quercetin treatment increased the protein expressions of APJ, AMPK, PGC-1α, TPA and UCP1, while decreased the AT1R level (all P<0.05). After the apelin pathway was blocked by ML221, the effect of quercetin was abated significantly, confirming that quercetin attenuated AS by modulating the apelin signaling pathway (all P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Quercetin alleviated AS lesions by up-regulation the apelin signaling pathway.

Potential targets and mechanism of Houpuwenzhongtang for the treatment of spleen and stomach deficiency cold stomach disease based on network pharmacology / 中国药理学通报

Aim To explore the potential targets and mechanisms of Houpuwenzhongtang for the treatment of spleen and stomach deficiency cold stomach disease. Methods Firstly, TCMSP database, disease database and compound target prediction platform were used to collect active components, disease targets and predict potential targets. Secondly, Cytoscape 3.7.2 and String platform were used to screen key chemical components and core targets, and PPI network diagram was constructed. Finally, The active components with degree greater than 30 were used for molecular docking with key targets, and some docking results were selected for cell experiment. Results The key active components of Houpuwenzhongtang in the treatment of spleen and stomach deficiency cold stomach disease were hesperidin, magnolol, 6-gingerol, and so on. The key targets were JUN, AKT1, IL-8, etc.. The related pathways mainly involved immune response, signaling transduction, cell proliferation and apoptosis. Molecular docking results showed that the key active components had good binding activity with disease targets. The results of cell experiments showed that magnolol, hesperidin and 6-gingerol had different degrees of anti-inflammatory activity against IL-8 in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusions It is speculated that Houpuwenzhongtang may act on IL-8, JUN, AKT1 and other targets through magnolol, hesperidin,6-gingerol and other active ingredients, and participate in the regulation of PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, N F-K B signaling pathway for the treatment of spleen and stomach deficiency cold stomach disease. And it is found for the first time that 6-gingerol could stably bind to multiple disease targets related spleen and stomach deficiency cold stomach disease,such as AKT1,IL-8 and so on. The result suggests that 6-gingerol is worth further research. Through the results of IL-8 cell experiment, it is speculated that the components such as magnolol and hesperidin may play a role in gastric diseases caused by Helicobacter pylori infection by reducing the content of IL-8 in gastric mucosa.

Effect of electroacupuncture on myocardial fibrosis in spontaneously hypertensive rats based on cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Neiguan" (PC 6) on myocardial fibrosis in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), and explore preliminarily the mediating role of cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) and its downstream nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway.@*METHODS@#Six 12-week-old WKY male rats were employed as the normal group. Eighteen 12-week-old SHR were randomly divided into 3 groups, i.e. a model group, an EA group and a blocking group (EA after blocking α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor [α7nAchR]), with 6 rats in each one. In the EA group, EA was delivered at "Neiguan"(PC 6) and the site 0.5 cm from its left side, with disperse-dense wave, 2 Hz/15 Hz in frequency and 1 mA in current intensity. One intervention took 30 min and was given once every 2 days, lasting 8 weeks. In the blocking group, prior to each EA, the α7nAchR specific blocker, α-bungartoxin was injected intravenously in the tails of the rats. After EA intervention, the systolic blood pressure (SBP), the diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and the mean arterial pressure (MAP) were measured with non-invasive blood pressure monitor. Using echocardiogram, the left ventricular (LV) anterior wall end-diastolic thickness (LVAWd) , LV posterior wall end-diastolic thickness (LVPWd) and the LV end-diastolic internal diameter (LVIDd) were measured. The level of hydroxyproline (Hyp) in the myocardial tissue was determined by using alkaline hydrolysis, and that of acetylcholine (Ach) was detected by ELISA. With the real-time PCR adopted, the mRNA expression of NF-κB p65, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 were determined.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the normal group, SBP, DBP, MAP, LVAWd and LVPWd were increased (P<0.01), and LVIDd was decreased (P<0.01) in the rats of the model group. SBP, DBP, MAP and LVAWd were dropped (P<0.01, P<0.05), and LVIDd rose (P<0.01) in the EA group when compared with those in the model group. The differences in the above indexes were not statistically significant between the blocking group and the model group (P>0.05). Compared with the normal group, Hyp level and the mRNA expression of NF-κB p65, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in the myocardial tissue increased (P<0.01, P<0.05) and Ach level decreased (P<0.01) in the model group. Hyp level, the mRNA expression of NF-κB p65, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in the myocardial tissue were reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01) and Ach level rose (P<0.01) in the EA group when compared with those in the model group. These indexes were not different statistically between the blocking group and the model group (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#CAP may be involved in ameliorating the pathological damage of myocardial fibrosis during EA at "Neiguan"(PC 6). The underlying effect mechanism is associated with up-regulating the neurotransmitter, Ach and down-regulating mRNA expression of NF-κB p65 and pro-inflammatory factors such as TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in myocardial tissue.

Huangqi Decoction, a compound Chinese herbal medicine, inhibits the proliferation and activation of hepatic stellate cells by regulating the long noncoding RNA-C18orf26-1/microRNA-663a/transforming growth factor-β axis / 中西医结合学报

OBJECTIVE@#Huangqi Decoction (HQD), a classical traditional Chinese medicine formula, has been used as a valid treatment for alleviating liver fibrosis; however, the underlying molecular mechanism is still unknown. Although our previous studies showed that microRNA-663a (miR-663a) suppresses the proliferation and activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and the transforming growth factor-β/small mothers against decapentaplegic (TGF-β/Smad) pathway, whether long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in HSC activation via the miR-663a/TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway has not yet reported. The present study aimed to investigate the roles of lncRNA lnc-C18orf26-1 in the activation of HSCs and the mechanism by which HQD inhibits hepatic fibrosis.@*METHODS@#The expression levels of lnc-C18orf26-1, miR-663a and related genes were measured by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. HSCs were transfected with the miR-663a mimic or inhibitor and lnc-C18orf26-1 small interfering RNAs. The water-soluble tetrazolium salt-1 assay was used to assess the proliferation rate of HSCs. Changes in lncRNA expression were evaluated in miR-663a-overexpressing HSCs by using microarray to identify miR-663a-regulated lncRNAs. RNA hybrid was used to predict the potential miR-663a binding sites on lncRNAs. Luciferase reporter assays further confirmed the interaction between miR-663a and the lncRNA. The expression levels of collagen α-2(I) chain (COL1A2), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway-related proteins were determined using Western blotting.@*RESULTS@#Lnc-C18orf26-1 was upregulated in TGF-β1-activated HSCs and competitively bound to miR-663a. Knockdown of lnc-C18orf26-1 inhibited HSC proliferation and activation, downregulated TGF-β1-stimulated α-SMA and COL1A2 expression, and inhibited the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. HQD suppressed the proliferation and activation of HSCs. HQD increased miR-663a expression and decreased lnc-C18orf26-1 expression in HSCs. Further studies showed that HQD inhibited the expression of COL1A2, α-SMA, TGF-β1, TGF-β type I receptor (TGF-βRI) and phosphorylated Smad2 (p-Smad2) in HSCs, and these effects were reversed by miR-663a inhibitor treatment.@*CONCLUSION@#Our study identified lnc-C18orf26-1 and miR-663a as promising therapeutic targets for hepatic fibrosis. HQD inhibits HSC proliferation and activation at least partially by regulating the lnc-C18orf26-1/miR-663a/TGF-β1/TGF-βRI/p-Smad2 axis.

Involvement of Interleukin-1 β/Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 in Ameliorating Effects of Electroacupuncture on Myocardial Fibrosis Induced by Essential Hypertension / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at Neiguan (PC 6) on myocardial fibrosis in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), and to explore the contribution of interleukin-1 β (IL-1 β), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and transforming growth factor β 1 (TGF- β 1) to the effects.@*METHODS@#Nine 12-weeks-old Wistar Kyoto (WKY) male rats were employed as the normal group. Twenty-seven SHRs were equally randomized into SHR, SHR+EA, and SHR + sham groups. EA was applied at bilateral PC 6 once a day 30 min per day in 8 consecutive weeks. After 8-weeks EA treatment at PC 6, histopathologic changes of collagen type I (Col I), collagen type 1 (Col 1) and the levels of IGF-1, 1L-1 β, TGF- β 1, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 were examined in myocardial tissure respectively.@*RESULTS@#After 8-weeks EA treatment at PC 6, the enhanced myocardial fibrosis in SHRs were characterized by the increased mean fluorescence intensity of Col I and Col 1 in myocardium tissue (P<0.01). All these abnormal alterations above in SHR + EA group was significantly lower compared with the SHR group (P<0.01). Meanwhile, the increased levels of IL-1 β, IGF-1, TGF-β 1 in serum or myocardial tissue of SHRs, diminished MMP 9 mRNA expression in SHRs were also markedly inhibited after 8 weeks of EA treatment (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Furthermore, the contents of IL-1 β, IGF-1, TGF-β 1 in myocardial tissue were positively correlated with the systolic blood pressure and hydroxyproline respectively (P<0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#EA at bilateral PC 6 could ameliorate cardiac fibrosis in SHRs, which might be mediated by regulation of 1L-1 β/IGF-1-TGF- β 1-MMP9 pathway.

Impact of Smoke-Free Legislation on Acute Myocardial Infarction and Subtypes of Stroke Incidence in Shenzhen, China, 2012-2016: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

OBJECTIVE@#This study assesses the impact of smoke-free legislation on the incidence rate for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and stroke in Shenzhen.@*METHODS@#Data on ischemic ( n = 72,945) and hemorrhagic ( n = 18,659) stroke and AMI ( n = 17,431) incidence covering about 12 million people in Shenzhen from 2012 to 2016 were used. Immediate and gradual changes in incidence rates were analyzed using segmented Poisson regression.@*RESULTS@#Following the smoke-free legislation, a 9% (95% CI: 3%-15%) immediate reduction was observed in AMI incidence, especially in men (8%, 95% CI: 1%-14%) and in those aged 65 years and older (17%, 95% CI: 9%-25%). The gradual annual benefits were observed only in hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke incidence, with a 7% (95% CI: 2%-11%) and 6% (95% CI: 4%-8%) decrease per year, respectively. This health effect extended gradually to the 50-64 age group. In addition, neither the immediate nor gradual decrease in stroke and AMI incidence rates did not show statistical significance among the 35-49 age group ( P > 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Smoke-free legislation was enforced well in Shenzhen, which would generate good experiences for other cities to enact and enforce smoke-free laws. This study also provided more evidence of the health benefits of smoke-free laws on stroke and AMI.

Evaluation and identification of morphological characters suitable for delimitation of Taraxacum species distributed in northeastern China.

Taraxacum germplasm resources in northeastern China are not current and do not accurately reflect the actual distribution of the species. The objective of this study was to investigate the morphological traits of Taraxacum species distributed in northeastern China and identify those that will facilitate their classification in this region. Leaf, flower, and achene characteristics of 18 species were used for morphological classification. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine pollen morphology. Internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences were analyzed to determine sequence differences among the species and their utility in delimitation. Taxa were classified into groups based on their morphology. The ITS sequence analysis supported the taxon classification, but the genetic distances among the taxa did not reflect morphological differences. Phylogenetic analysis was used to divide the 18 species into three groups. Group I: T. coreanum (which has white flowers). Group Ⅱ: T. heterolepis, T. sinomongolicum, T. variegatum, T. asiaticum var. lonchophyllum, T. falcilobum, T. brassicaefolium, and T. erythropodium (outer involucre bracts, narrow membranous or nonmembranous). Group Ⅲ: T. formosanum, T. liaotungense, T. mongolicum, T. borealisinense, T. ohwianum, T. platypecidum, T. urbanum, T. antungense, T. asiaticum, and T. junpeianum (outer involucre bracts, broad membranous). The main taxonomic characteristics of Taraxacum floral organs and achene morphology.

Mechanistic origin of different binding affinities of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 spike RBDs to human ACE2

The receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein mediates viral entry into host cells through binding to the cell-surface receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). It has been shown that SARS-CoV-2 RBD (RBDCoV2) has a higher binding affinity to human ACE2 than its highly homologous SARS-CoV RBD (RBDCoV), for which the mechanistic reasons still remain to be elucidated. Here, we used the multiple-replica molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MM-PBSA) binding free energy calculations, and interface residue contact network (IRCN) analysis approach to explore the mechanistic origin of different ACE2 binding affinities of these two RBDs. The results demonstrate that, when compared to the RBDCoV2-ACE2 complex, the RBDCoV-ACE2 complex features the enhanced overall structural fluctuations and inter-protein positional movements and increased conformational entropy and diversity. The inter-protein electrostatic attractive interactions are a dominant force in determining the high ACE2 affinities of both RBDs, while the significantly strengthened electrostatic forces of attraction of ACE2 to RBDCoV2 determine the higher ACE2 binding affinity of RBDCoV2 than of RBDCoV. Comprehensive comparative analyses of the residue binding free energy components and IRCNs reveal that, although any RBD residue substitution involved in the charge change can significantly impact the inter-protein electrostatic interaction strength, it is the substitutions at the RBD interface that lead to the overall stronger electrostatic attractive force of RBDCoV2-ACE2, which in turn not only tightens the interface packing and suppresses the dynamics of RBDCoV2-ACE2, but also enhances the ACE2 binding affinity of RBDCoV2 compared to that of RBDCoV. Since the RBD residue substitutions involving gain/loss of the positively/negatively charged residues, in particular those near/at the binding interfaces with the potential to form hydrogen bonds and/or salt bridges with ACE2, can greatly enhance the ACE2 binding affinity, the SARS-CoV-2 variants carrying such mutations should be paid special attention to.

The effect of sevoflurane combined with remifentanil on anesthetic effect and stress indexes in patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of conducting general anesthesia with sevoflurane combined with remifentanil on the anesthetic effect and stress indexes in patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy.Methods:A total of 80 patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy in the Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical College from April 2020 to August 2020 were selected and divided into the observation group and the control group according of the number table method, with 40 cases in each group. In the control group, sufentanil, propofol and rocuronium were used to induce anesthesia, and propofol and remifentanil were intravenously administered during anesthesia maintenance.The observation group received the same induction anesthesia, followed by 2% sevoflurane inhalation combined with remifentanil to maintain anesthesia. The anesthetic effect, stress indexes at different postoperative time points and adverse reaction between the two groups were compared.Results:The scores of mini mental state evaluation (MMSE) at 0.5, 1 and 2 h after the surgery and the scores of observer′sassessment of alertness/sedation scale (OAA/S) atimmediately after extubation, 1 and 2 h after surgery in the observation group were higher than those in the control group, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). The wake up time and extubation time in the observation group were shorter than those in the control group: (9.22 ± 1.67) min vs. (15.94 ± 1.44) min, (10.34 ± 1.46) min vs. (17.11 ± 1.33) min, there were statistical differences ( P<0.01). The systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, epinephrine and cortisol at 10 min after intubation and at the end of surgery in the observation group were lower than those in the control group, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Sevoflurane combined with remifentanil conducting anesthesia can better improve the cognitive function of patients, shorten the recovery time of postoperative consciousness, and reduce the intraoperative stress response.

Progress in research on redistribution methods for garbage codes in causes of death data / 中华流行病学杂志

The existence of garbage codes in death cause surveillance data sets could influence the accuracy of the death cause statistics, and subsequently affect the precision and effectiveness of public health policy making. International and domestic researchers have studied the characteristics of garbage codes in various death cause data sets from different countries or regions in the world. They proposed several approaches for redistributing garbage codes, such as expert consultancy, fixed proportional reassignment, using the information about death cause chain, building statistical models, and so on. This paper summarizes and compares the principles, applications and limitation of application scenarios of currently common methods for garbage code redistribution in order to provide some references for improving the accuracy and usefulness of the death cause data in China.

Involvement of ET-1/eNOS in the ameliorating effect of electroacupuncture on cardiac dysfunction in rats with spontaneously hypertensive / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Neiguan" (PC 6) on cardiac function of ventriculus sinister in rats with spontaneously hypertensive (SHR), and to explore the mediation effect of endothelin-1 (ET-1)/endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS).@*METHODS@#Six 12-week-old male Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats were taken as the normal group. Eighteen 12-week-old SHR were randomly divided into a model group, an EA group and a sham EA group, 6 rats in each group. The rats in the EA group were treated with EA (disperse-dense wave, 2 Hz/15 Hz in frequency, 1 mA in current intensity) at "Neiguan" (PC 6), 30 min each time, once a day for 8 weeks. The rats in the sham EA group were treated with superficial needling at "Neiguan" (PC 6) with no electrical stimulation applied. After treatment, the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS) were tested by echocardiographic analysis. The left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), heart rate (HR), the maximum rate of increase/decrease of left ventricular pressure (±dp/dtmax) were detected. The serum content of ET-1 was detected by ELISA. Western blot was used to evaluate the expression of ETAR, eNOS in myocardial tissue of left ventricular.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the normal group, LVEF, LVFS, +dp/dtmax/LVSP and -dp/dtmax/LVSP were decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05), while LVSP, LVEDP, +dp/dtmax and -dp/dtmax were increased (P<0.01) in the model group. Compared with the model group, LVEF, LVFS, +dp/dtmax/LVSP and -dp/dtmax/LVSP were increased (P<0.01, P<0.05), and LVSP and LVEDP were decreased (P<0.01) in the EA group. Compared with the normal group, the serum content of ET-1 and the expression of ETAR in myocardial tissue were increased (P<0.01), whereas expression of eNOS was decreased (P<0.01) in the model group. Compared with the model group, the serum content of ET-1 and the expression of ETAR in myocardial tissue were decreased (P<0.05), whereas expression of eNOS was increased (P<0.05) in the EA group.@*CONCLUSION@#EA intervention may alleviate hypertensive cardiac function damage by up-regulating the expression of eNOS protein in myocardial tissue, down-regulating the serum content of ET-1 and the expression of ETAR protein in myocardial tissue.

Referred Somatic Hyperalgesia Mediates Cardiac Regulation by the Activation of Sympathetic Nerves in a Rat Model of Myocardial Ischemia / 神经科学通报·英文版

Myocardial ischemia (MI) causes somatic referred pain and sympathetic hyperactivity, and the role of sensory inputs from referred areas in cardiac function and sympathetic hyperactivity remain unclear. Here, in a rat model, we showed that MI not only led to referred mechanical hypersensitivity on the forelimbs and upper back, but also elicited sympathetic sprouting in the skin of the referred area and C8-T6 dorsal root ganglia, and increased cardiac sympathetic tone, indicating sympathetic-sensory coupling. Moreover, intensifying referred hyperalgesic inputs with noxious mechanical, thermal, and electro-stimulation (ES) of the forearm augmented sympathetic hyperactivity and regulated cardiac function, whereas deafferentation of the left brachial plexus diminished sympathoexcitation. Intradermal injection of the α2 adrenoceptor (α2AR) antagonist yohimbine and agonist dexmedetomidine in the forearm attenuated the cardiac adjustment by ES. Overall, these findings suggest that sensory inputs from the referred pain area contribute to cardiac functional adjustment via peripheral α2AR-mediated sympathetic-sensory coupling.

Extracts of Poria cocos polysaccharides improves alcoholic liver disease in mice via CYP2E1 and NF-κB inflammatory pathways / 中国中药杂志

The present study investigated the effect of extract of Poria cocos polysaccharides(PCP) on cytochrome P450 2 E1(CYP2 E1) and nuclear factor κB(NF-κB) inflammatory signaling pathways in alcoholic liver disease(ALD) mice and explored its protective effect and mechanism. Sixty male C57 BL/6 N mice of SPF grade were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, a positive drug group(bifendate, 200 mg·kg~(-1)), and high-(200 mg·kg~(-1)) and low-dose(50 mg·kg~(-1)) PCP groups. Gao-binge mo-del was induced and the mice in each group were treated correspondingly. Liver morphological and pathological changes were observed and organ index was calculated. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase(ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase(AST) were detected. Malondialdehyde(MDA) and superoxide dismutase(SOD) in liver tissues were detected by assay kits. The levels of interleukin-6(IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) were detected by ELISA. The activation of macrophages was observed by immunofluorescence staining and protein expression of CYP2 E1, Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4), NF-κB p65, and phosphorylated NF-κB p65(p-NF-κB p65) were analyzed by Western blot. The ALD model was properly induced. Compared with the model group, the PCP groups significantly improved the pathological injury of liver tissues. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that compared with the model group, the groups with drug intervention showed decreased macrophages in liver tissues. Additionally, the PCP groups showed reduced ALT, AST, MDA, IL-6, and TNF-α(P<0.05), and potentiated activity of SOD(P<0.01). PCP extract has the protective effect against alcoholic liver injury in mice, and the underlying mechanism may be related to the regulation of the expression of CYP2 E1 and inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB inflammatory signaling pathway to reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory injury, thereby inhibiting the development of ALD.

Bioinformatics Analysis on Key Genes and Immune Infiltration of Osteosarcoma / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To screen the potential key genes of osteosarcoma by bioinformatics methods and analyze their immune infiltration patterns. Methods The gene expression profiles GSE16088 and GSE12865 associated with osteosarcoma were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO),and the differentially expressed genes(DEGs)related to osteosarcoma were screened by bioinformatics tools.Gene Ontology(GO)annotation,Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment,and analysis of immune cell infiltration were then carried out for the DEGs.The potential Hub genes of osteosarcoma were identified by protein-protein interaction network,and the expression of Hub genes in osteosarcoma and normal tissue samples was verified via the Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA). Results A total of 108 DEGs were screened out.GO annotation and KEGG pathway enrichment revealed that the DEGs were mainly involved in integrin binding,extracellular matrix (ECM) structural components,ECM receptor interactions,and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt)signaling pathway.Macrophages were the predominant infiltrating immune cells in osteosarcoma.Secreted phosphoprotein 1(SPP1),matrix metallopeptidase 2(MMP2),lysyl oxidase(LOX),collagen type V alpha(II)chain(COL5A2),and melanoma cell adhesion molecule(MCAM)presented differential expression between osteosarcoma and normal tissue samples(all P<0.05). Conclusions SPP1,MMP2,LOX,COL5A2,and MCAM are all up-regulated in osteosarcoma,which may serve as potential biomarkers of osteosarcoma.Macrophages are the key infiltrating immune cells in osteosarcoma,which may provide new perspectives for the treatment of osteosarcoma.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Sinolimprichtia alpina var. dissecta (Apiaceae).

Sinolimprichtia alpina var. dissecta is a plant variety which is characterized from S. alpina var. alpina in possessing characteristic, highly dissected bracteoles. In the current study, we have sequenced the complete chloroplast genome of S. alpina var. dissecta using the Illumina sequencing platform. The chloroplast genome is 156,719 bp in length, consisting of a LSC region of 95,625 bp, a SSC region of 10,500 bp, and a pair of inverted repeats (IR) regions of 25,297 bp. The GC content was 37.7%. A total of 126 unique genes were identified, including 81 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes and 8 rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis based on 28 chloroplast genomes indicates that S. alpina var. dissecta is most closely related to Pterygopleurum neurophyllum.

Structural Basis for SARS-CoV-2 Envelope Protein in Recognition of Human Cell Junction Protein PALS1

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has created a global health and economic emergency. SARS-CoV-2 viruses hijack human proteins to promote their spread and virulence including the interactions involving the viral envelope (E) protein and human proteins. To understand the structural basis for SARS-CoV-2 viral-host recognition, we used cryo-electron microscopy to determine a structure for the human cell junction protein PALS1 and SARS-CoV-2 E protein complex. The structure shows that the E protein C-terminal DLLV motif recognizes a pocket formed exclusively by hydrophobic residues from the PDZ and SH3 domains in PALS1. Our structural analysis provides an explanation for the observation that the viral E protein recruits PALS1 from lung epithelial cell junctions resulting in vascular leakage, lung damage, viral spread, and virulence. In addition, our structure provides novel targets for peptide- and small-molecule inhibitors that could block the PALS1-E interactions to reduce the E-mediated damage to vascular structures.

Correlation between blood pressure changes within 24 h after intravenous thrombolysis and the outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke / 国际脑血管病杂志

Objective:To investigate the correlation between blood pressure changes within 24 h after intravenous thrombolysis and the outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke.Methods:Patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with alteplase intravenous thrombolysis in the Department of Neurology, Anhui No. 2 Provincial People's Hospital from June 2018 to September 2020 were enrolled retrospectively. The patients who received antihypertensive therapy before and within 24 h after intravenous thrombolysis were excluded. The blood pressure before intravenous thrombolysis and the blood pressure drop within 24 h after intravenous thrombolysis were recorded. The modified Rankin Scale was used to evaluate the clinical outcome at 90 d after the onset. 0-2 was defined as good outcome, and >2 was defined as poor outcome. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the independent correlation between blood pressure changes within 24 h after intravenous thrombolysis and the clinical outcomes. Results:A total of 205 patients with acute ischemic stroke were enrolled, including 125 males (60.98%), 80 females (39.02%); aged 63.30±9.63 years; 124 (60.49%) had a good outcome, and 81 (39.51%) had a poor outcome. Univariate analysis showed that the proportion of diabetic patients as well as baseline systolic blood pressure, prethrombolytic blood glucose, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, and the incidence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage in the good outcome group were significantly lower than those in the poor outcome group, and the proportion of patients with small vessel occlusion and the decrease in systolic blood pressure within 24 h after thrombolytic therapy were significantly higher than those in the poor outcome group (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that higher baseline systolic blood pressure was independently associated with the poor outcome at 90 d after intravenous thrombolysis (odds ratio 0.964, 95% confidence interval 0.942-0.987; P=0.002), and a greater decrease in systolic blood pressure within 24 h after intravenous thrombolysis was independently associated with a good outcome (odds ratio 1.134, 95% confidence interval 1.067-1.206; P<0.001). Conclusion:For patients with acute ischemic stroke who received intravenous thrombolysis, higher baseline blood pressure before intravenous thrombolysis was associated with the poor outcome, and greater decrease in systolic blood pressure within 24 h after intravenous thrombolysis was associated with the good outcome.

Comparative analysis of miRNA profiles of platelets treated and untreated with riboflavin and ultraviolet-B light / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To analyze the changes of microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles on day 1 and day 5 after storage with or without riboflavin and ultraviolet-B (UVB) light (VB2-PRT) treatment, and to explore the molecular mechanism of miRNAs involved in the regulation of platelet storage lesion (PSL) under VB2-PRT treatment. 【Methods】 20 apheresis platelet concentrates (5mL / sample), collected from voluntary donors, were split into two group after mixing and agitation. One was treated with riboflavin (final concentration 50 μmol/L) plus 6.24 J/mL UVB light(E group), and the other worked as a control group (C group) without any treatment. Both groups were subjected to agitated storage at (22±2) ℃ horizontally. The platelet concentrates were sampled on d1 and d5 (5mL) during storage, named as E1, E5, C1 and C5 groups, respectively, and sequenced by DNA nanoball (DNB) sequencing technology. The differentially expressed miRNAs between E and C groups were screened by using DEGseq and MA-plot analysis software, and GO function enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were further performed when the different expression between groups reached twofold and above. 【Results】 Compared with C1 group, 487 miRNAs with significantly different expression (P<0.01) were screened in E1 group, including 220 up-regulated miRNAs, such as miR-146a and let-7b, and 267 down regulated miRNAs, such as miR-7 and miR-1260. Compared with C5 group, 229 miRNAs with significantly different expression (P<0.01) were screened in E5, including 80 miRNAs with up-regulated expression, such as miR-423 and miR-378, and 149 down regulated miRNAs, such as miR-451 and miR-30.The target genes with differentially expressed miRNAs in E1 vs C1 groups and E5 vs C5 groups were similar in the numbers of enriched GO terms, including cell components, organelles, cell membrane and other cell structures, molecular functions such as adhesion, catalysis, molecular transformation, transportation, transcription factors and receptor activity, cell processing, metabolism, biological regulation, stress and other biological processes etc. Compared with E1 and C1 groups, E5 and C5 groups lacked of signal pathways related to environmental adaptation, translation and mucin synthesis, however, it increased inositol phosphate metabolism, phosphatidylinositol signaling system and chemokine signaling pathway. 【Conclusion】 The expression profiles of platelets miRNAs treated with VB2-PRT has changed significantly after storage for a period of time. Functional prediction suggests that these miRNAs might be involved in the regulation of platelet PSL induced by VB2-PRT.

Expression analysis of miRNA profiles in apheresis platelets at the end of storage / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the changes of platelet microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles of storage in vitro, and to explore the molecular mechanism of miRNAs involved in the regulation of platelet storage lesion (PSL). 【Methods】 20 platelet samples (5 mL / sample) were collected from apheresis platelet donors, fully mixed and stored in a shaker with (22±2) ℃ horizontal agitation, sampled on day 1 and day 5, and sequenced by DNA nanoball (DNB) sequencing technology. The miRNAs with more than 2 times expressions (P<0.01) were considered as significantly differences between d5 and d1 groups. The miRanda and TargetScan softwares were used to predict the target genes. Gene Ontology (GO) function enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were performed on the target genes of significant differentially expressed miRNAs. The expression of miRNAs was verified by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). 【Results】 Compared with d1 group, 315 miRNAs with significantly different expression (P<0.01) were screened in d5 group, including 146 up-regulated miRNAs (such as miR-146a, let-7b), and 169 down-regulated miRNAs (such as mir-30d, mir-142). Among 126 known miRNAs, 43 were up-regulated and 83 were down-regulated. There are 189 new miRNA sequences. The enriched GO terms of target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs in d5 and d1 groups included cell components, organelles, cell membrane and other cell structures, molecular functions such as adhesion, catalysis and activity, and biological processes such as cell processing, metabolism, biological regulation and stress. The corresponding pathways in the top 10 of KEGG enrichment were mainly signal transduction, secretion, membrane transport, amino acid metabolism, polysaccharide metabolism, protein synthesis and environmental adaptation. The 6 randomly selected differentially expressed miRNAs verified by qRT-PCR were consistent with those of DNB sequencing. 【Conclusion】 The expression profiles of platelets miRNAs have changed significantly between the d1 and d5 of storage in vitro. Functional prediction suggested that these miRNAs might be involved in the regulation of platelet PSL.

Expression analysis of miRNA profiles in apheresis platelets at the end of storage under riboflavin and ultraviolet-Blight treatment / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the changes of platelet microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles on d1 and d5 during storage with riboflavin and ultraviolet-B (UVB) light (VB2-PRT) treatment, and to explore the molecular mechanism of miRNAs involved in the regulation of platelet storage lesion (PSL) under VB2-PRT treatment. 【Methods】 20 apheresis platelet concentrates (5mL / sample) were collected from voluntary blood donors. After mixing and shaking, the samples was treated with riboflavin (final concentration 50 μmol/L) and 6.24J/mL UVB light for 8min, then split into two aliquots and agitated stored at (22±2) ℃. The concentrates were sampled (5mL) on d1 and d5, respectively, and sequenced by DNA nanoball (DNB) sequencing technology. The differentially expressed miRNAs between the two groups (at different storage periods) were screened by DEGseq and MA-plot analysis software. The miRNAs, reached more than 2 times different expression between groups, were considered significant different(P<0.01). The miRanda and TargetScan softwares were used to predict the target genes. Gene Ontology (GO) function enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were performed on the target genes of significant differentially expressed miRNAs. The expression of miRNAs was verified by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). 【Results】 miRNA expression profile: compared with d1 platelets, there were 590 miRNAs with significantly different expression (P< 0.01) in d5 group, including 255 up-regulated miRNAs (such as miR-99b, miR-7) and 335 down regulated miRNAs (such as miR-451a, miR-19b). Among the 272 known miRNAs, 112 were up-regulated and 160 were down regulated. There were 318 new miRNAs sequences. The enriched GO terms of target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs in d5 and d1 groups included cell components, organelles, cell membranes and other cellular structures, molecular functions such as adhesion, catalysis, molecular conversion, transportation, transcription factor and receptor activity, and biological processes such as cell processing, metabolism, biological regulation and stress. The corresponding pathways in the top 10 of KEGG enrichment were mainly secretion, glucose metabolism, signal transduction, membrane transport, translation, environmental adaptation and other signal pathways. The six randomly selected differentially expressed miRNAs verified by qRT-PCR was consistent with those of DNB sequencing. 【Conclusion】 The expression profiles of platelets miRNAs has changed significantly between d1- and d5-storage under VB2-PRT treatment. Functional prediction suggests that these miRNAs might be involved in the regulation of platelet PSL underVB2-PRT treatment.