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Background. Wenhua Juanbi Recipe (WJR) is widely used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in China. However, its mechanism of action remains unclear. This study was designed to investigate the potential therapeutic effects of WJR on the proliferation and apoptosis of synovial fibroblasts in RA and its efficacy in inhibiting miRNA-146a-mediated cellular autophagy. Methods. A collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) Wistar rat model was established. The model rats were administered WJR or methotrexate (MTX) to assess the therapeutic effect of the drugs. The chemical components of WJR were analyzed using UPLC-Q/TOF-MS. Histological changes; miRNA-146a, ATG5, ATG7, ATG12, Beclin1, LC3II, Bax, and Bcl2 expression; synovial apoptosis; and cellular proliferation were assessed. Primary synovial fibroblasts (FLS) were cultured in vitro using tissue block and transfected with miRNA-146a; an autophagy inducer was added to FLS, inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. FLS were cocultured with WJR-containing serum to observe the effects of miRNA-146a-mediated autophagy via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway on CIA-affected rats. Results. Forty and thirty-one compounds were identified in WJR in the positive and negative ion modes, respectively. WJR significantly reduced toe swelling, arthritis scores, and expression of miRNA-146a and autophagy genes (ATG5, ATG7, ATG12, Beclin1, LC32, and Bcl2). Moreover, Bax expression, apoptosis, and attenuated proliferation were observed in rats. WJR could, therefore, regulate autophagy by influencing the miRNA-146a-mediated PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, which induces apoptosis and proliferation of FLS. Conclusion. WJR can inhibit autophagy, apoptosis, and proliferation in a CIA rat model by inhibiting the miRNA-146a-mediated PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. An important feature of aging cells is the gradual loss of physiological integrity. As aging progresses, MSCs change preferring to differentiate toward adipocytes rather than osteoblasts. Oxidative stress accumulation is an important factor in age-related bone loss. Many experiments have demonstrated the good therapeutic effect of Ginsenoside (Rg1) on oxidative stress injury. In this study, we investigated the effect of Rg1 on the osteogenic-adipogenic differentiation balance of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSC). Objective. To analyze the potential application value of Rg1 in the treatment of senile osteoporosis. Methods. BMMSCs were isolated from healthy donors of different ages and identified based on isotype and by multi-differentiation induction. Rg1 was used to treat BMMSCs, The differentiation propensity was analyzed by induction of differentiation assay. Antioxidant capacity of BMMSCs as measured by oxidative stress product assay Related mechanism studies were confirmed by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), immunofluorescence, western blotting, and inhibitor treatment. Moreover, Observation of the effects of Rg1 on aging BMMSCs under in vivo conditions by treatment of aged mice with Rg1 injections. Results. Rg1 treatment rescued age‐induced switch of BMMSCs differentiation fate in vitro. In elderly people, Rg1 markedly increased osteogenic differentiation of BMMSCs by decreasing oxidative stress, while inhibiting adipogenic differentiation. However, this effect was abolished in BMMSCs by an Nrf2-inhibitor. Notably, aging mice showed a reduction in adipocyte distribution in the bone marrow and a decrease in oxidative stress products after a 3-month period of Rg1 treatment. Conclusion. We have uncovered a novel function for Rg1 that involves attenuating bone loss via Nrf2 antioxidant signaling, which in turn may potentially be utilized as a therapeutic agent for improving osteogenic differentiation in aging BMMSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim of the Study. Late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) is recognized as a degeneration disorder in patients' central nervous system over 65 years old who will experience memory decline and cognitive impairment, causing great harm to the health of the elderly. To investigate the role of KL-FGF23-VD axis in LOAD and its molecular mechanism, we designed experiments from two dimensions of cells and animals. Materials and Methods. LOAD rats and Aβ microglia were constructed by using Aβ1-40 and IBO mixture. The effect of KL-FGF23-VD axis on LOAD was investigated by transfecting overexpressing and interfering with KL gene adenovirus, and IKK-16 was added to Aβ microglia to explore the effect of KL-FGF23-VD axis on regulation of IKK/NF-κB signaling pathway. Results. The results showed that, in KL-OE group, FGF23 was decreased in the hippocampus of LOAD rats compared with control and KL-si, and the trend was opposite in the KL-si group. The KL-FGF23-VD axis can alleviate inflammatory response, reduce the deposition of Aβ, and inhibit activation of the NF-κB pathway and neuron apoptosis in brain tissue of LOAD rats. In Aβ microglia, the expression of KL-FGF23-VD axis was consistent with animal experiments. The KL-FGF23-VD axis can inhibit the expression of Aβ microglia inflammatory factors and the activation of microglia and NF-κB pathway. Meanwhile, IKK expression was decreased in KL-OE group compared with KL-si and Control. In the IKK-16 addition group, the ability of KL-FGF23-VD axis to inhibit the activation of microglia and NF-κB pathway was enhanced. Conclusions. These findings suggest a potential role of the KL-FGF23-VD axis in AD treatment by regulating the IKK/NF-κB pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Noncoding RNAs were discovered to control a variety of developmental mechanisms, including osteogenesis. According to emerging evidence, cryptochrome circadian-regulating (CRY) proteins have emerged as essential controllers of osteoblast differentiation. The linked processes, on the other hand, are still unknown. The specific process that underpins osteoblast differentiation and proliferation is yet unknown. This research gives a meta-analysis of CRY2's impact on mouse osteoblast differentiation via the control of the WNT/β–catenin signaling pathways. Western blot and quantitative real-time PCR were used to identify Cry2 expression levels, components in the osteoblast-associated signaling pathway, and osteoblast transcription markers. The osteogenic condition was measured utilizing alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alizarin red (AR) staining, whereas cell growth rates were measured using CCK8 assays. An ectopic bone formation experiment was used to determine the osteogenic potential of osteoblasts. Cry2 stimulates the osteogenic development of mouse osteoblasts through canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling, according to the findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To observe the protective effect of gynostemma glycosides on retinal ganglion cells in rats with chronically high intraocular pressure. Materials and Methods. A total of 60 rats were randomly divided into group A (the blank group, 10 rats) and chronic high IOP model group (50 rats). The IOP model group (IOP above 22 mmHg) was then randomly divided into an additional 5 groups (10 rats per group): group B (negative control group) treated with normal saline; group C treated with gynostemma glycosides 25 mg/(kg-d); group D treated with gynostemma glycosides 50 mg/(kg-d); group E treated with gynostemma glycosides 100 mg/(kg-d); and group F (positive control group) treated with VitB1 and VitB12. The eyes of each rat were monitored from day 1 to 14 (D1–D14). On day 14, rats were euthanized, after which retinal tissue and optic nerve were examined using real-time PCR, western blot, HE staining, LFB staining, and TUNEL assay. Results. Groups A, C, D, E, and F had significantly lower expression of CD11b, GFAP, Brn3α, and more TUNEL cells than in group B (all P < 0.05). Moreover, the relative expression of STAT3 mRNA and JAK2 (mRNA and protein) in groups A, C, D, E, and F was significantly lower than in group B (P < 0.05), while in group E, the expression was lower than in group D (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Gynostemma glycosides protect retinal ganglion cells in rats with chronically high intraocular pressure possibly associated with the STAT3/JAK2 signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interferons, as the first line of defense against the viral infection, play an important role in innate immune responses. Type III interferon (IFN-λ) was a newly identified member of IFN family, which plays IFN-like antiviral activity. Towards a better understanding of the type III interferon system in birds, type III interferon lambda receptor (IFNLR1) was first identified in the Chinese goose. In this paper, we had cloned 1952 bp for goose IFNLR1 (goIFNLR1), including an ORF of 1539 bp, encoding a 512-amino acid protein with a 20 aa predict signal peptide at its N terminal and a 23 aa transmembrane region. The predicted amino acid sequence of goIFNLR1 has 90%, 73%, and 34% identity with duck IFNLR1 (predicted sequence), chicken IFNLR1, and human IFNLR1, respectively. And the age-related tissue distribution of goIFNLR1 was identified by Real Time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), we found that the goIFNLR1 has a mainly expression in epithelium-rich tissues similar to other species’, such as small intestinal, lung, liver, and stomach. Moreover, a relatively high expression of goIFNLR1 was also observed in the secondary immune tissues (harderian gland and cecal tonsil). The identification and tissue distribution of goIFNLR1 will facilitate further study of the role of IFN-λ in goose antiviral defense. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a novel small-molecular apoptotic PET imaging probe, 18F-ML-8 with a malonate motif structure, is presented and discussed. After study, the small tracer that belongs to a member of ApoSense family is proved to be capable of imaging merely apoptotic regions in the CTX treated tumor-bearing mice. The experimental result is further confirmed by in vitro cell binding assays and TUNEL staining assay. As a result, 18F-ML-8 could be used for noninvasive visualization of apoptosis induced by antitumor chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

11Beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β-HSD) enzymes control the glucocorticoid (GC) signaling, which is essential in regulating homeostasis. Our previous study revealed that Eclipta prostrata (EP) affected the activity and expression of 11β-HSD enzymes which might improve the efficacy and reduce the adverse drug effects of glucocorticoid in patients undergoing combinational therapy. However, it is still unclear which composition of EP plays a major role and how it works. In this paper, we chose Luteolin which is one of the main ingredients of EP and evaluated its effect and metabolism in combination with prednisone. The effects of different concentrations of Luteolin extract on prednisone/prednisolone metabolism indicated the enzyme activity of 11β-HSD, so the production rate (pmol/min per mg protein) of metabolites was used to indicate enzyme activity. Furthermore, we explored the influence of Luteolin on gene and protein expressions of 11β-HSD I/II in rat liver and kidney tissue. Our results showed that oral administration of Luteolin significantly increased the gene and protein expressions of hepatic 11β-HSD I and renal 11β-HSD II, which may improve the efficacy and reduce the adverse drug effect of glucocorticoid in clinical application. A potential clinical value of Luteolin would also be indicated in combination therapy with prednisone for the treatment of nephrotic syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Microglial BV-2 cells are activated in the brain following insomnia. Naringin (NAR) is a polymethoxylated flavonoid that is also commonly found in citrus fruits and is known for its antioxidant potential. However, the effect of NAR on microglial cells has rarely been studied in the brain of an organism after insomnia. This study aimed to investigate the effects and potential mechanisms of action of NAR on microglial cell activation and inflammation. Methods. BV-2 cells were obtained from the China Center for Type Culture Collection and randomly divided into five treatment groups: control, model, NAR (10 μM), WP1066 (5 μM), and NAR + WP1066. With the exception of the control group, all groups were stimulated with LPS (1 μg/mL) for 6 h. CCK8 was used to quantify cell viability and a scratch test was performed to detect cell migration. The expression levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), nterleukin 10 (IL-10), and insulin like growth factor (1IGF-1) were measured by ELISA. Western blotting was performed to determine the levels of p-STAT3 and p-JAK. The Focalcheck™ Thin-Ring Fluorescent Microspheres kit was used to detect cell phagocytosis. Immunofluorescence was used to observe the expression of iNOS and arginase1 in BV-2 cells. Results. Compared with the control group, cell migration, cell viability, and the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and iNOS were significantly increased in the model group, whereas the expression levels of IL-10, IGF-1, and arginase 1, as well as cell phagocytosis were reduced. With the increase in NAR concentration, cell migration, cell viability, the expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and iNOS decreased, while the expression of IL-10, IGF-1, and arginase 1 increased. Compared with the control group, p-STAT3, and p-JAK expression in the model group were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the expression of p-STAT3 and p-JAK in the NAR, NAR + WP1066, and WP1066 groups was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Conclusion. NAR treatment inhibited the proliferation, migration, and inflammation of BV-2 cells as well as the activation of microglia to the M1 phenotype. Conversely, NAR treatment promoted the activation of microglia to the M2 phenotype and enhanced the phagocytic function of BV-2 cells by regulating the activity of the JAK/STAT3 pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of fermented mushroom of Cordyceps sinensis (CS), rich in selenium (Se- CS), on uterine cervical cancer in mice. The methylcholanthrene- (MCA-) induced tumor model was used in this paper. After the mice were administered Se-CS, the animals showed 40% tumor incidence (P < 0.05). Se-CS also enhanced the immune functions. Se-CS treatment showed significant (P < 0.05-0.01) restoration in the level of glutathione content, lipid peroxidation, glutathione peroxidase activity, glutathione reductase activity, catalase activity, Na+/K+-ATPase activity, and glutathione S transferase activity. This finding suggested that the concomitant use of Se and CS could be a potential therapeutic approach to improve the efficacy of therapy for uterine cervical cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive inflammation is responsible for arteriovenous fistula (AVF) failure, which determines the therapeutic effect of chronic renal failure (CRF). Macrophage polarization is of great significance in the inflammatory response. Hirudin (Hiru) has been reported to possess a definite anti-inflammatory effect. This study is to uncover the impacts of Hiru on classically (M1)/alternatively (M2) macrophage polarization in the CRF rat model and rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). After the CRF rat model was administrated with different concentrations of Hiru, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (Scr) levels were tested. H&E staining was to detect vascular injury, and IHC assay was to analyze inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and arginase-1 (Arg-1) expressions in vascular tissues. Levels of inflammatory factors were examined by ELISA. Besides, western blot was to estimate the levels of marker proteins related to macrophage, proliferation, and apoptosis. CCK-8 was to measure cell viability. We discovered that Hiru alleviated renal function injury and vascular injury, exacerbated VSMC hyperplasia, and stimulated the differentiation and activation of M1 macrophage towards M2 macrophage in vivo. Moreover, after treatment with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/IFN-gamma (IFN-γ), the increased M1/M2 ratio and enhanced levels of inflammatory factors were observed. Furthermore, Hiru boosted the proliferation and ameliorated the inflammatory response and apoptosis of rat VSMCs during the process of coincubation of M1-conditioned medium (CM). Collectively, Hiru played a protective role against vascular injury in CRF directly or through its influence on M1 macrophage polarization and inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori, Hp) infection in animals before and after artificial infection influences the subsequent experiment. We established effective and noninvasive detection methods, including the gastric fluid nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method and the 13C-urea breath test, which can detect Hp before modeling Hp infection in Mongolian gerbils. We designed a gas collection equipment for gerbils. Hp nested PCR was also performed on gastric fluid, gastric mucosa, duodenal contents, and faeces of gerbils challenged with Hp. Conventional Hp detection methods, including rapid urease assay and immunohistochemistry, were compared. Moreover, we assessed the natural infection of Hp in 135 gerbils that had never been exposed to Hp artificially from the major laboratory gerbil groups in China. In 10 Hp infected gerbils, the positive detection results were 100%, 100%, 90%, and 10% in gastric fluid, gastric mucosa, duodenal contents, and faeces with nested PCR, respectively. A rapid urease test performed on gastric mucosa showed that all animals were infected with Hp. Immunohistochemical detection and bacteria culture of gastric mucosa samples that were positive by the nested PCR method also confirmed the presence of Hp. 9% (3/35) and 6% (2/31) natural infection rates were found in conventional gerbil groups from the Capital Medical University and Zhejiang Laboratory Animal Center. In conclusion, we established two noninvasive Hp detection methods that can be performed before modelingHp infection, including the gastric fluid nested PCR method and the 13C-urea breath test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The meridian-collateral theory is the theoretical basis of acupuncture-moxibustion therapy. Professor Bonghan Kim, a professor of the Pyongyang Medical University of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, claimed that he found the anatomical structure of meridian-collaterals, named Bonghan corpuscles (BHCs) and Bonghan ducts (BHDs) system orprimo vascular system (PVS), in 1962. From 1963 to 1965, researchers from our institute conducted a series of comparative anatomical experiments, trying to reproduce the so-called BHC- and BHD-like structures in different strains of animals. In the present paper, the authors introduced their research findings about BHC- and BHD-like structures in the young rabbit's umbilicus including its external appearance, ectoplasm and endoplasm, and about strip-like and node-like objects in the blood vessels and loymph vessels near the larger abdominal and cervical blood vessels and chromaffin tissue in the back wall of the rabbits abdominal cavity and between the bilateral kidneys. In spite of existence of the BHC- and BHD-like structures in the rabbit, there has been no proved evidence for their association with the meridian-collateral system described in acupuncture medicine. In the present historical review, the authors also make a discussion about the significance of those findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Nicorandil has been widely used for the treatment of angina pectoris and myocardial infarction. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether nicorandil plays a protective role in exhaustive exercise (EE)-induced myocardial injury. Methods. Here, we applied the rat EE model and treated them with exercise preconditioning (EP, reported to protect the heart) or different doses of nicorandil gavage, respectively, to explore whether there are protective effects of single EP or nicorandil or a combination of both and the potential mechanism. Forty-nine male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into control, EE, EP + EE, nicorandil (with low, middle, and high dose) + EE, and EP + nicorandil (middle dose) + EE. Blood samples and myocardial tissues were collected to analyze the myocardial injury-related index. Results. EE induced myocardial structural damage and altered the myocardial injury markers, which were partially reversed by pretreatment of nicorandil. In addition, oxidative stress and inflammation lead to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) products and further damage to the myocardium, while pretreatment of nicorandil reduces the oxidative stress response and inflammation. Moreover, nicorandil suppressed the myocardial apoptosis induced by EE, as indicated by a decrease of Bax and caspase-3 expression and an increase of Bcl-2 expression. Finally, the pathway in which nicorandil plays a role may be involved in the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)/nitric oxide (NO) pathway. Pretreatment of nicorandil increased the protein level of myocardial eNOS and NO production. Conclusion. Our result demonstrated that nicorandil has protective effects in EE-induced myocardial injury with dose-dependent effects. A combination of nicorandil and EP can further improve the protective effects. Taken together, nicorandil can be potentially used as an intervention method in EE-induced myocardial injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To study the therapeutic effect of Quyu (QY) Shengxin (SX) decoction (QYSXD) in mice with dextran sulfate sodium- (DSS-) induced ulcerative colitis and to investigate the effects of QYSXD on the regulation of the receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIP1)/receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIP3)/nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain protein 3 (NLRP3) signaling pathway. Method. Thirty-six mice were randomly divided into the following 6 groups: the experimental group (QYSX group), the model group (DSS group), the positive control group (5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) group), the control group, the first component group (QY group), and the second component group (SX group). Each group included 6 mice. Ulcerative colitis (UC) was induced in the mice by providing 3.5% DSS in drinking water. The mice were weighed every day to evaluate the disease activity index (DAI). After 7 days, the mice were sacrificed, and colonic tissues were obtained for colon length measurement. The morphological changes in the colon and the pathological scores of the mice in each group were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein expression levels of RIP1, RIP3, dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), NLRP3, cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1 (caspase-1), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-18 in the colon tissues of the mice in each group were detected and compared by real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The levels of RIP1, RIP3, NLRP3, IL-1β, and IL-8 in the colonic mucosa were detected by ELISA. Western blotting was used to compare the protein expression of Drp1, caspase-1, mitochondrial fission protein 1 (FIS1), and mitophagy-associated protein light chain 3a/b (LC3a/b) among groups. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the colonic mucosal cells were compared by immunofluorescence. Results. Compared with those in the DSS group, the mice with DSS-induced colitis in the QYSX group exhibited clearly higher body weights (P < 0.05) and DAI scores (P < 0.05). The colon lengths of the mice in the QYSX group were longer than those in the DSS group (P < 0.05), and the pathological score of the QYSX group was lower than that of the DSS group (P < 0.05). The RIP1, RIP3, Drp1, IL-1β, IL-18, and caspase-1 mRNA levels in the QYSX, 5-ASA, SX, and QY groups were significantly lower than those in the DSS group (P < 0.05), but there were no differences between the QYSX group and the 5-ASA group. The levels of RIP1, RIP3, NLRP3, IL-1β, and IL-18 in the QYSX group were lower than those in the DSS group (P < 0.01). The levels of Drp1, caspase-1, FIS1, and LC3a/b in the QYSX group and the 5-ASA group were lower than those in the DSS group (P < 0.05). The levels of ROS in the colonic mucosal cells in the QYSX, 5-ASA, and QY groups were lower than those in the DSS group (P < 0.05). Conclusion. QYSXD has certain therapeutic effects on DSS-induced colitis in mice and may be as effective as 5-ASA. QY and SX decoctions also have certain effects on colitis; however, these decoctions are not as beneficial as QYSXD. QYSXD may ameliorate colitis by inhibiting the expression of RIP1/RIP3/NLRP3 pathway-related proteins and reversing mitochondrial dysfunction to control inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poultries including chickens, ducks, geese, and pigeons are widely used in the biological and medical research in many aspects. The genetic quality of experimental poultries directly affects the results of the research. In this study, following electrophoresis analysis and short tandem repeat (STR) scanning, we screened out the microsatellite loci for determining the genetic characteristics of Chinese experimental chickens, ducks, geese, and pigeons. The panels of loci selected in our research provide a good choice for genetic monitoring of the population genetic diversity of Chinese native experimental chickens, ducks, geese, and ducks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute alcoholism (AAI) is a common emergency. Currently, there is a lack of preventive and therapeutic drugs with superior safety and efficacy. Curcuma longa, Panax ginseng, Pueraria lobata, Pueraria flower, and Hovenia dulcis Thunb., which are the components of compound turmeric recipe (CTR), are, respectively, used in China as adjuvant therapeutic agents for AAI and alcoholic liver injury, respectively. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of traditional compound turmeric recipe in anti-inebriation treatment and to identify its underlying mechanisms. The mice were administered with CTR mixture, and ethanol was subsequently given to mice by gavage. The effects of CTR on the righting reflex, 24-hour survival, drunken behavior, blood ethanol concentration, and pathological changes of liver are depicted. The activities of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were detected. Besides, the activities of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-8 (IL-8), alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), cytochrome P450 (P450), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the liver and the levels of β-endorphin (β-EP) and leucine enkephalin (LENK) in the brain were also measured. Our results demonstrated that CTR can increase the activities of ADH, ALDH, P450, and SOD and decrease the contents of TNF-α, IL-8, and MDA in the liver. In addition, it can decrease the activities of ALT, AST, and ALP in serum and β-EP and LENK activities in the brain. CTR showed effects on prevention of acute alcoholism, promoting wakefulness, and alleviating alcoholic liver injury, which were likely mediated by the above mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The aim of this work was to study the toxic effects and target organs of Mosla chinensis Maxim (MCM) in rats and provide theoretical basis for clinical medication. Methods. The subchronic toxicity study was conducted on 60 male and female SD rats using the fixed-dose method for the treatment groups and 20 male and female SD rats for the control. At the subchronic toxicity study, the water extract of MCM with fixed doses of 0.2 g/kg/day, 2 g/kg/day, and 20 g/kg/day was administered for 90 days intragastric, and the control group was given the same amount of distilled water. After 90 days, the general conditions of the rats were observed. Assessment on safety of the extract was conducted by a subchronic toxicity test which mainly examined alteration occurrence in gut flora and urine metabolism. Results. There was no significant difference in physical signs, reactivity, and stool characteristics in the four groups. Compared with the control group, the number of red blood cells in the male 2 g/kg/day group and the female 0.2 g/kg/day group was significantly different (P < 0.05). The detection of serum biochemical indicators showed that MCM has an effect on liver and kidney function but has no physiological significance. The level of low-density lipoprotein in male rats was lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the blood glucose levels of female rats in the 0.2 g/kg/day, 2 g/kg/day, and 20 g/kg/day groups were significantly increased (P < 0.05). As far as the diversity of intestinal flora is concerned, feeding MCM for 90 days has an influence on the distribution of intestinal flora. The content of lactic acid bacteria increased, and the ratio of hard bacteria to Bacteroides (f/b) was also affected, but there was no significant difference. Conclusions. These findings showed that the long-term intragastric administration of the MCM is safe to use within its dose recommendation. But it could have a slight effect on the metabolism of uric acid by changing the composition of intestinal flora and affecting the metabolism of tryptophan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polygonum capitatum has unique curative effects on the urinary system. In fact, many Polygonum capitatum-based preparations are currently used in the clinic. In China, the combination of levofloxacin (LVFX) with a Chinese herbal preparation derived from Polygonum capitatum has been used for the clinical treatment of urinary system diseases, which can improve the curative effects and reduce the side effects of LVFX. However, the herb-drug interaction (HDI) between these drugs has not been reported and the effect of Polygonum capitatum on the in vivo process of LVFX is unclear. In this article, a sensitive ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy (UPLC-MS/MS) method was developed to evaluate the effects of the combined application of LVFX and the Polygonum capitatum extract on tissue distribution and excretion. Thereafter, the method was validated for selectivity, accuracy, precision, linearity, lower limit of quantification (LLOQ), dilution integrity, recovery, and matrix effect. Based on tissue distribution, LVFX could diffuse into all of the tested tissues, with significant differences in the content of each tissue between the coadministration group and single administration group. At 48 h after the combination was orally administered, the urinary cumulative excretion of LVFX decreased from 20.69% to 11.84% while its fecal cumulative excretion decreased from 26.08% to 13.28%. Our results suggest that a drug interaction exists between the two drugs in the process of distribution and excretion. This study provides important experimental evidence for further studies on the clinical efficacy and mechanism of the Polygonum capitatum extract and LVFX. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pomacea canaliculata, known as an invasive freshwater snail, is also called a golden apple snail; its survival and expansion are greatly affected by temperature. In this study, high-throughput sequencing (RNA-seq) was used to perform comparative transcriptome analysis on the muscular tissue (G_M) of snails in Guangdong and Hunan. Differential gene screening was performed with FDR <0.05 and |log2FoldChange| >1 as the threshold, and a total of 1,368 differential genes were obtained (671 genes showed upregulation in snails from Guangdong, and 697 genes displayed upregulation in snails from Hunan). Fifteen genes were identified as candidate genes for the cold hardiness of Pomacea canaliculata. Among them, three genes were involved in energy metabolism (glycogen synthase, 1; DGK, 1; G6PD, 1); seven genes were involved in homeostasis regulation (HSP70, 2; BIP, 1; GPX, 1; GSTO 1, G6PD, 1; caspase-9, 1); two genes were involved in amino acid metabolism (glutamine synthetase, 1; PDK, 1); and four genes were involved in membrane metabolism (inositol-3-phosphate synthase, 1; Na+/K+-ATPase, 1; calcium-binding protein, 2). This study presents the molecular mechanisms for the cold hardiness of Pomacea canaliculata, which could provide a scientific basis for the forecast and prevention of harm from Pomacea canaliculata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Pleurotus ostreatus (P.o) is a culinary mushroom which is commonly called as "oyster mushroom" belonging to the Basidiomycetous fungi of the order Agaricales and family Pleurotaceae. Objectives. The present study investigates the anti-inflammatory potential of P.o and the underlying mechanisms of activity. Materials and Methods. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using suspensions of freeze-dried and powdered (SFDP) P.o and acetone extract (AE) of P.o in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats using the carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema model. The mechanisms by which P.o is mediating the anti-inflammatory activity were studied using in vivo and in vitro assays. Results. At doses of 500–1000 mg/kg, the SFDP of P.o showed long-lasting activity at both early and late phases of carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema. The dose of 750 mg/kg showed the most potent inhibitory activity (92% inhibition) in healthy rats. The AE of P.o showed maximum inhibition of oedema of 87%. P.o exerted protective effects on the inflammatory pathologies in rats with diabetes. The possible mechanisms by which P.o mediates the anti-inflammatory activity were antihistamine activity (52.1%), inhibition of cell migration to the site of inflammation (45.4%), in vitro membrane stabilizing activity (52.6%), and inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production (91.2%) (P < 0.05). Dose-dependent inhibition of NO production was seen with in vitro treatment of rat peritoneal cells with AE of P.o (r = 0.95; P < 0.05). Discussion and Conclusion. The promising activity of culinary mushroom P.o against inflammation suggests its potential application as a functional food during inflammatory conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Henoch–Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN) is the principal cause of morbidity and mortality in Henoch–Schönlein purpura (HSP). However, there is no absolute consensus for the best management of severe HSPN till now. Qingzixiaoban Granule (QZXB GR), a traditional Chinese medicine formula, has been applied to treat HSP in clinical in China. However, the therapeutic effects and potential mechanism of QZXB GR on HSPN is still unknown. Methods. A Gliadin plus Indian Ink-induced HSPN mice model was established. Renal histopathologic changes and the subcutaneous hemorrhage on left legs were assessed. Hematuria and proteinuria were determined using hemocytometer and bicinchoninic acid assay, respectively. The serum circular immune complex and interleukin-6 were quantified by ELISA. Using blood biochemical analyzer, the renal biochemical parameters, including serum total protein, albumin, creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen, were measured. The deposition of immune complex in renal tissues and the lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood and spleen was investigated by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. Results. QZXB GR treatment significantly ameliorated renal injury in HSPN mice, by attenuating renal histopathological changes, reducing subcutaneous hemorrhage, decreasing proteinuria/hematuria, regulating renal biochemical parameters, and inhibiting the release of serum interleukin-6. Furthermore, QZXB GR treatment significantly decreased the level of serum circular immune complex, decreased immune complex IgA and IgG deposition in renal tissue, and suppressed Th2 immunodeviation. Conclusion. QZXB GR could prevent renal injury in HSPN mice, and its renoprotective mechanism might be exerted partly through suppressing immune complexes deposition and Th2 immune deviation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of cardiac dysfunction after myocardial infarction (MI) continues to increase despite advances in treatment. Excessive myocardial fibrosis plays a vital role in the development of adverse cardiac remodeling and deterioration of cardiac function. Understanding the molecular and cellular mechanism of the fibrosis process and developing effective therapeutics are of great importance. Salvia miltiorrhiza and Carthamus tinctorius extract (SCE) is indicated for angina pectoris and other ischemic cardiovascular diseases in China. SCE has been shown to inhibit the platelet activation and aggregation, ameliorate ROS-induced myocardial necrosis by inhibiting mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening, and promote angiogenesis by upregulating the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). However, whether SCE has effect on cardiac fibrosis after MI is not fully clear. Here, a mouse model of MI was established to observe the effect of SCE upon survival, cardiac function, myocardial fibrosis, and inflammation. Quantitative PCR and western blot assays were used to determine the expression of genes related to transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) cascade and inflammatory responses in vivo. Additionally, the effects of SCE upon the collagen production, TGF-β/Smad3 (SMAD family member 3) signaling, and the levels of histone methylation in primary cardiac fibroblasts were detected. We found that SCE treatment significantly improved survival and left ventricular function in mice after MI. Inhibition of inflammation and fibrosis, as well as decreased expression of Smad3, was observed with SCE treatment. In TGF-β-stimulated cardiac fibroblasts, SCE significantly decreased the expression of collagen, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and Smad3. Furthermore, SCE treatment downregulated the levels of H3K4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) and H3K36 trimethylation (H3K36me3) at the Smad3 promoter region of cardiac fibroblasts, leading to inhibition of Smad3 transcription. Our findings suggested that SCE prevents myocardial fibrosis and adverse remodeling after MI with a novel mechanism of suppressing histone methylation of the Smad3 promoter and its transcription. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Chinese forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii) is an economically important species distributed throughout southwest China and northern Vietnam. Occurrence and development of disease are aggravated by inbreeding and genetic diversity declines in captive musk deer populations. Deep transcriptomics investigation may provide a promising way to improve genetic health of captive and wild FMD population. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), which regulate gene expression by targeting and suppressing of mRNAs, play an important role in physiology and organism development control. In this study, RNA-seq technology was adopted to characterize the miRNA transcriptome signature among six tissues (heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, and muscle) in Chinese forest musk deer at two years of age. Deep sequencing generated a total of 103,261,451 (~87.87%) good quality small RNA reads; of them 6,622,520 were unique across all six tissues. A total of 2890 miRNAs were identified, among them 1129 were found to be expressed in all tissues. Moreover, coexpression of 20 miRNAs (>2000RPM) in all six tissues and top five highly expressed miRNAs in each tissue implied the crucial and particular function of them in FMD physiological processes. Our findings of forest musk deer miRNAs supplement the database of transcriptome information for this species and conduce to our understanding of forest musk deer biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cognitive dysfunction is characterized as the gradual loss of learning ability and cognitive function, as well as memory impairment. Jiao-tai-wan (JTW), a Chinese medicine prescription including Coptis chinensis and cinnamon, is mainly used for the treatment of insomnia, while the effect of JTW in improving cognitive function has not been reported. In this study, we employed a scopolamine- (SCOP-) treated learning and memory deficit model to explore whether JTW could alleviate cognitive dysfunction. In behavioral experiments, Morris water maze, Y-maze, fearing condition test, and novel object discrimination test were conducted. Results showed that oral administration of JTW (2.1 g/kg, 4.2 g/kg, and 8.4 g/kg) can effectively promote the ability of spatial recognition, learning and memory, and the memory ability of fresh things of SCOP-treated mice. In addition, the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was effectively decreased; the activity of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and concentration of acetylcholine (Ach) were improved after JTW treatment in both hippocampus and cortex of SCOP-treated mice. JTW effectively ameliorated oxidative stress because of decreased the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in hippocampus and cortex. Furthermore, JTW promotes the expressions of neurotrophic factors including postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) and synaptophysin (SYN) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in both hippocampus and cortex. Nissl’s staining shows that the neuroprotective effect of JTW was very effective. To sum up, JTW might be a promising candidate for the treatment of cognitive dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aedes albopictus is a very important vector for pathogens of many infectious diseases including dengue fever. In this study, we explored the genetic polymorphism of Aedes albopictus strains in different geographical regions using DNA barcoding of mitochondrial COI (MT-COI) gene. We collected MT-COI sequence of 106 Aedes albopictus mosquitos from 6 provinces in China including Fujian, Guangdong, Hainan, Yunnan, and Taiwan. The length of the sequences is 709bp with the content of A+T (67.7%) greater than that of G+C (32.3%). We identified mutations in 90 (13.68%) loci, of which 57 (63.33%) are transitions, 28 (31.11%) are transversions, and 5 (5.56%) are hypervariable loci. In addition, we obtained 42 haplotypes, 4 (9.52%) of which are shared among different populations. The haplotype diversity of Aedes albopictus is 0.882 and nucleotide diversity is 0.01017. Moreover, the pedigree network diagram shows that most haplotypes are under parallel evolution, suggesting a local expansion of Aedes albopictus in history. Finally, the Neighbor-Joining tree of MT-COI haplotypes reveals a certain correlation between haplotype clusters and geographical distribution, and there are differences among Aedes albopictus in different geographical regions. In conclusion, DNA barcoding of MT-COI gene is an effective method to study the genetic structure of Aedes albopictus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major health challenge in South Africa and the condition in humans has been well researched and documented. However, investigations on the circulating Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) strains from cattle in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa are insufficient. This study delineated the diversity of MTBC isolates from cows’ lymph nodes. A total of 162 MTBC isolates, collected over a one-year period from cattle lymph nodes from two abattoirs, were submitted to spoligotyping and 12 MIRU-VNTR typing. The spoligotyping results were matched with isolates in the universal spoligotyping database (SITVIT2). Our study identified 27 spoligotype patterns, with 10 shared types assigned to five lineages: the East-Asian (Beijing) was predominant, 17.9%, and East-Asian (Microti) and Latin-American-Mediterranean S were the least detected with 0.6%. Spoligotyping showed a higher clustering rate of 82.1%, with the lowest being the Hunter-Gaston Diversity Index (HGDI) of 0.485; 12 MIRU-VNTR resulted in a clustering rate of 64.8%, showing a higher HGDI of 0.671. The results of this study show a high diversity of MTBC strains in the Eastern Cape Province and clustering rate, which indicates ongoing transmission in the province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. In China, Oldenlandia diffusa (OD) is a natural herb that is widely used and has been proven to be effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study aimed to preliminarily reveal the mechanism by which OD exerts its beneficial effect. Methods. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography photodiode array was applied to identify the absorbable compounds in the plasma of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model rats. After 2 weeks, an OD decoction or the identified absorbable compound was administered to CIA rats. Morphology, X-ray images of the joints, pathological images, arthritis index, and cytokine (TNF-α and IL-6) levels were evaluated. Results. p-Coumaric acid (p-CA) was identified as the absorbed compound in plasma. After administration of p-CA solution or the OD decoction, symptoms in the treated rats were alleviated as compared to the untreated model rats, and inflammatory cell infiltration was suppressed. The arthritis index and serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were decreased as compared to the control group. Conclusions. OD may exert its anti-inflammatory effect on RA via its active ingredient, p-CA. This information sheds light on the mechanism by which OD exerts its anti-inflammatory effort in RA and forms the basis for further development of therapeutic agents for RA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since H9N2 avian influenza virus (AIV) was first isolated in Guangdong province of China, the virus has been circulating in chicken flocks in mainland China. However, a systematic phylogenetic analysis of H9N2 AIV from chickens in Shandong of China has not been conducted. Based on hemagglutinin (HA) gene sequences of H9N2 AIVs isolated from chickens in Shandong of China between 1998 and 2013, genetic evolution of 35 HA gene sequences was systematically analyzed in this study. Our findings showed that the majority of H9N2 AIVs (21 out of 35) belonged to the lineage h9.4.2.5. Most of isolates (33 out of 35) had a PSRSSR↓GLF motif in HA cleavage site. Importantly, 29 out of these 35 isolates had an amino acid exchange (Q226L) in the receptor-binding site. The substitution showed that H9N2 AIVs had the potential affinity to bind to human-like receptor. The currently prevalent H9N2 AIVs in Shandong belonged to the lineage h9.4.2.5 which are different from the vaccine strain SS/94 clade h9.4.2.3. Therefore, the long-term surveillance of H9N2 AIVs is of significance to combat the possible H9N2 AIV outbreaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]