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Clinical Cardiology Jun 2024Statins are lipid-lowering drugs with favorable anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to explore different statin-based lipid-lowering strategies to reduce... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
BACKGROUND
Statins are lipid-lowering drugs with favorable anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to explore different statin-based lipid-lowering strategies to reduce high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP).
HYPOTHESIS
The hypothesis is that different statin-based lipid-lowering strategies might reduce hs-CRP.
METHODS
This retrospective study included 3653 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Three statin-based lipid-lowering strategies were investigated, including different types of statins (atorvastatin vs. rosuvastatin), statin combined with ezetimibe therapy (vs. without), and intensive statin therapy (vs. regular). The hs-CRP levels and blood lipid indicators were measured at baseline and after 1-month lipid-lowering therapy. Multivariable linear regression analysis and structural equation mode analysis were conducted to verify the association between different lipid-lowering strategies, Δhs-CRP (%) and ΔLDL-C (%).
RESULTS
Totally, 3653 patients were enrolled with an average age of 63.81 years. Multivariable linear regression demonstrated that statin combined with ezetimibe therapy was significantly associated with decreased Δhs-CRP (%) (β = -0.253, 95% CI: [-0.501 to -0.005], p = 0.045). The increased ΔLDL-C (%) was an independent predictor of elevated levels of Δhs-CRP (%) (β = 0.487, 95% CI: [0.15-0.824], p = 0.005). Furthermore, structural equation model analysis proved that statin combined with ezetimibe therapy (β = -0.300, p < 0.001) and intensive statin therapy (β = -0.032, p = 0.043) had an indirect negative effect on Δhs-CRP via ΔLDL-C.
CONCLUSIONS
Compared with routine statin use, statin combined with ezetimibe therapy and intensive statin therapy could further reduce hs-CRP levels.
Topics: Humans; Male; Retrospective Studies; Female; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; C-Reactive Protein; Coronary Artery Disease; Middle Aged; Biomarkers; Treatment Outcome; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention; Ezetimibe; Drug Therapy, Combination; Aged; Rosuvastatin Calcium; Atorvastatin; Cholesterol, LDL; Anticholesteremic Agents; Dyslipidemias
PubMed: 38895772
DOI: 10.1002/clc.24301 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024The adoption of green chemistry protocols in nanoparticle (NP) synthesis has exhibited substantial potential and is presently a central focus in research for generating...
The adoption of green chemistry protocols in nanoparticle (NP) synthesis has exhibited substantial potential and is presently a central focus in research for generating versatile NPs applicable across a broad spectrum of applications. In this scientific contribution, we, for the first time, examined the ability of () crude extract to synthesize silver and gold nanoparticles (AgNPs@AL; AuNP@AL) and explored their potential applications in biological activities and the catalytic degradation of environmental pollutants. The synthesized NPs exhibited a distinctive surface plasmon resonance pattern, a spherical morphology with approximate sizes of 5-10 nm (TEM imaging), a crystalline architecture (XRD analysis), and potential functional groups identified by FTIR spectroscopy. The antibacterial activity was demonstrated by inhibition zones that measured 16 and 14 mm for the AgNPs@AL and AuNP@AL at a concentration of 80 µg/mL against and 14 and 12 mm against , respectively. The antioxidant potential of the synthesized NPs was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2-Phenyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl 3-Oxide (PTIO), and 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) assays. Our findings suggest that the AuNP@AL effectively countered the tested radicals considerably, displaying IC values of 115.9, 103.54, and 180.85 µg/mL against DPPH, PTIO, and ABTS, respectively. In contrast, the AgNPs@AL showed IC values of 144.9, 116.36, and 95.39 µg/mL against the respective radicals. In addition, both the NPs presented significant effectiveness in the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue and rhodamine B. The overall observations indicate that possesses a robust capability to synthesize spherical nanoparticles, exhibiting excellent dispersion and showcasing potential applications in both biological activities and environmental remediation.
Topics: Metal Nanoparticles; Silver; Gold; Plant Extracts; Aconitum; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Catalysis; Antioxidants; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Staphylococcus aureus; Green Chemistry Technology; Escherichia coli
PubMed: 38893515
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29112640 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Callus cultures of the Iranian medicinal plant were initiated from three-week-old seedlings on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with α-naphthaleneacetic...
Callus cultures of the Iranian medicinal plant were initiated from three-week-old seedlings on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and various cytokinins. Although all tested hormonal variants of the medium and explant enabled callus induction, the most promising growth was noted for -(2-chloro-4-pyridyl)-'-phenylurea (CPPU)-induced calli. Three lines obtained on this medium (cotyledon line-CL, hypocotyl line-HL, and root line-RL) were preselected for further studies. Phenolic compounds in the callus tissues were identified using UPLC-MS (ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry) and quantified with HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography). All lines exhibited intensive growth and contained twelve phenolic acid derivatives, with rosmarinic acid predominating. The cotyledon-derived callus line displayed the highest growth index values and polyphenol content; this was exposed to different light-emitting diodes (LED) for improving biomass accumulation and secondary metabolite yield. Under LED treatments, all callus lines exhibited enhanced RA and total phenolic content compared to fluorescent light, with the highest levels observed for white (48.5-50.2 mg/g dry weight) and blue (51.4-53.9 mg/g dry weight) LEDs. The selected callus demonstrated strong antioxidant potential in vitro based on the 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) tests. Our findings confirm that the callus system is suitable for enhanced rosmarinic acid production; the selected optimized culture provide high-quality plant-derived products.
Topics: Polyphenols; Salvia; Antioxidants; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Cinnamates; Rosmarinic Acid; Depsides; Cotyledon; Naphthaleneacetic Acids; Plant Growth Regulators; Seedlings
PubMed: 38893502
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29112626 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Although disubstituted imidazolium cation is sterically crowded, hundreds of ionic liquids based on this cation have been reported as electrolytes for energy storage...
Non-Substituted Imidazolium-Based Electrolytes as Potential Alternatives to the Conventional Acidic Electrolytes of Polyaniline-Based Electrode Materials for Supercapacitors.
Although disubstituted imidazolium cation is sterically crowded, hundreds of ionic liquids based on this cation have been reported as electrolytes for energy storage devices. In contrast to disubstituted imidazolium, non-substituted imidazolium is uncrowded sterically and has not yet been investigated as an electrolyte, to the best of our knowledge. Hence, imidazolium hydrogen sulfate [Imi][HSO], in mixture with water, was studied as an electrolyte for PANI-based electrode materials. For comparison, pyrrolidinium with hydrogen sulfate or -toluene sulfonate ([Pyrr][HSO] or [Pyrr][PTS]), in mixture with water, were also investigated as alternatives to the conventional electrolyte (i.e., aqueous HSO) for PANI electrodes. Walden plots of binary mixture ionic liquid-water weight ratios with the optimal ionic conductivity (i.e., [Imi][HSO]/water 48/52 wt% (195.1 mS/cm), [Pyrr][HSO]/water 41/59 wt% (186.6 mS/cm), and [Pyrr][PTS]/water 48/52 wt% (43.4 mS/cm) along with the electrochemical performances of PANI in these binary mixtures showed that [Pyrr][HSO] or [Imi][HSO] are convenient electrolytes for PANI/PIL, as opposed to [Pyrr][PTS]. Furthermore, replacing the conventional aqueous electrolyte HSO with [Imi][HSO] increased the specific capacitance of PANI/PIL from 249.8 to 268.5 F/g at 15 mV/s. Moreover, PANI/PIL electrodes displayed a quasi-ideal capacitive behavior in [Imi][HSO] (the correction factor of CPE was 0.99). This primary study has shown that non-substituted imidazolium as an electrolyte could enhance the electrochemical performances of PANI electrodes and could be a good alternative to the conventional electrolyte.
PubMed: 38893443
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29112569 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024, the main source of traditional Chinese medicine Lonicerae Flos, is extensively cultivated in Southwest China. However, the quality of produced in this region...
, the main source of traditional Chinese medicine Lonicerae Flos, is extensively cultivated in Southwest China. However, the quality of produced in this region significantly varies due to its wide distribution and various cultivation breeds. Herein, 50 Lonicerae Flos samples derived from different breeds of cultivated in Southwest China were collected for quality evaluation. Six organic acids and three saponin compounds were quantitatively analyzed using HPLC. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of a portion of samples was conducted with 2,2'-Azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonate) (ABTS) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging experiments. According to the quantitative results, all samples met the quality standards outlined in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The samples from Guizhou, whether derived from unopened or open wild-type breeds, exhibited high quality, while the wild-type samples showed relatively significant fluctuation in quality. The samples from Chongqing and Hunan demonstrated similar quality, whereas those from Sichuan exhibited relatively lower quality. These samples demonstrated significant abilities in clearing ABTS and DPPH radicals. The relationship between HPLC chromatograms and antioxidant activity, as elucidated by multivariate analysis, indicated that chlorogenic acid, isochlorogenic acid A, isochlorogenic acid B, and isochlorogenic acid C are active components and can serve as Q-markers for quality evaluation.
Topics: Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Lonicera; Antioxidants; China; Picrates; Biphenyl Compounds; Sulfonic Acids; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Quality Control; Benzothiazoles; Saponins; Plant Extracts
PubMed: 38893434
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29112560 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Desalination is considered a promising solution to alleviate water shortages, yet current methods are often restricted, due to challenges like high energy consumption,...
Desalination is considered a promising solution to alleviate water shortages, yet current methods are often restricted, due to challenges like high energy consumption, significant cost, or limited desalination capacity. In this study, we present a novel approach of redox flow desalination (RFD) utilizing the highly aqueous-soluble and reversible redox-active compound, potassium 1,1'-bis(sulfonate) ferrocene (1,1'-FcDS). This water-soluble organic compound yielded stable and rapid desalination, sustaining extended operation without notable decay and achieving an impressive desalination rate of up to 457.5 mmol·h·m and energy consumption as low as 40.2 kJ·mol. Specifically, the RFD device effectively desalinated a 50 mM NaCl solution to potable standards within 6000 s using 1,1'-FcDS. It maintained an average energy consumption of 178.16 kJ·mol and exhibited negligible deterioration in desalination rate, energy efficiency, and charge efficiency throughout a rigorous 12,000 s cycling test. Furthermore, the versatility of this method was demonstrated by effectively treating saline water with varying initial concentrations from 10 mM to 50 mM, showcasing its potential across a broad spectrum of applications.
PubMed: 38893381
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29112506 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024This study was aimed at investigating the phytochemical profile and bioactivity of subsp. (Brassicaceae), a species from central-southern Sicily (Italy), where it is...
This study was aimed at investigating the phytochemical profile and bioactivity of subsp. (Brassicaceae), a species from central-southern Sicily (Italy), where it is consumed as a salad. For this purpose, LC-ESI/HRMS analysis of the ethanolic extract was performed, highlighting the occurrence, along with flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, and oxylipins, of sulfated secondary metabolites, including glucosinolates and various sulfooxy derivatives (e.g., C13 nor-isoprenoids, hydroxyphenyl, and hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives), most of which were never reported before in the Brassicaeae family or in the genus. Following ethnomedicinal information regarding this species used for the treatment of various pathologies such as diabetes and hypercholesterolemia, ethanolic extract was evaluated for its antioxidant potential using different in vitro tests such as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), Ferric Reducing Ability Power, and -carotene bleaching tests. The inhibitory activity of carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes (α-amylase and α-glucosidase) and pancreatic lipase was also assessed. In the 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid assay, an IC value comparable to the positive control ascorbic acid (2.87 vs. 1.70 μg/mL, respectively) was obtained. The wild-wall rocket salad extract showed a significant α-amylase inhibitory effect. Obtained results indicate that Sicilian wild-wall rocket contains phytochemicals that can prevent hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and obesity.
Topics: Plant Extracts; Antioxidants; Phytochemicals; Sicily; Flavonoids
PubMed: 38893326
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29112450 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024All-inorganic metal halide perovskite is promising for highly efficient and thermally stable perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs). However, there is still great...
All-inorganic metal halide perovskite is promising for highly efficient and thermally stable perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs). However, there is still great room for improvement in the film quality, including low coverage and high trap density, which play a vital role in achieving high-efficiency PeLEDs. In this work, lead acetate (Pb(Ac)) was introduced into the perovskite precursor solution as an additive. Experimental results show that perovskite films deposited from a one-step anti-solvent free solution process with increased surface coverage and reduced trap density were obtained, leading to enhanced photoluminescence (PL) intensity. More than that, the valence band maximum (VBM) of perovskite films was reduced, bringing about a better energy level matching the work function of the hole-injection layer (HIL) poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly (styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT: PSS), which is facilitated for the hole injection, leading to a decrease in the turn-on voltage (V) of PeLEDs from 3.4 V for the control device to 2.6 V. Finally, the external quantum efficiency (EQE) of the sky blue PeLEDs (at 484 nm) increased from 0.09% to 0.66%. The principles of Pb(Ac) were thoroughly investigated by using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). This work provides a simple and effective strategy for improving the morphology of perovskite and therefore the performance of PeLEDs.
PubMed: 38893300
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29112425 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024In the study, natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) were used as alternatives to traditional chemical solvents for the extraction of polyphenols from L. Nine NADESs...
In the study, natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) were used as alternatives to traditional chemical solvents for the extraction of polyphenols from L. Nine NADESs were tested for the first time and compared with ethanol and water (traditional solvents) regarding the extraction of phenolic compounds from L. These solvents were particularly effective at extracting polyphenols, whose low water solubility usually requires high amounts of organic solvents. The solvent based on choline chloride and malonic acid provided optimal results and was selected for further optimization. The effects of material-to-liquid ratio, ultrasound time, and ultrasound temperature on the extraction efficiency were studied through single-factor experiments. These parameters were optimized by Box-Behnken design using response surface methodology. The optimal conditions identified were 49.86 g/mL of material-to-liquid ratio, 31.10 min of ultrasound time, and 62.35 °C of ultrasound temperature, resulting in a high yield of 140.30 ± 0.19 mg/g. The results indicated that the NADES extraction technique provided a higher yield than the conventional extraction process. The antioxidant activity of the extract of polyphenols from L. was determined, and UPLC-IMS-QTOF-MS was used to analyze the phenolic compounds in it. The results revealed that the scavenging ability of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazil and 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonate) extracted by NADES was higher than that of polyphenols extracted by water and ethanol. Furthermore, a total of 24 phenolic compounds were identified in the extract. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in which a green and efficient NADES extraction method has been used to extract bioactive polyphenols from L., which could provide potential value in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food additives.
Topics: Polyphenols; Plant Extracts; Antioxidants; Elaeagnaceae; Deep Eutectic Solvents; Green Chemistry Technology; Solvents
PubMed: 38893285
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29112412 -
Nutrients May 2024Compared to the general population, patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are less likely to be vaccinated, putting them at an increased risk of...
Compared to the general population, patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are less likely to be vaccinated, putting them at an increased risk of vaccine-preventable illnesses. This risk is further compounded by the immunosuppressive therapies commonly used in IBD management. Therefore, developing new treatments for IBD that maintain immune function is crucial, as successful management can lead to better vaccination outcomes and overall health for these patients. Here, we investigate the potential of recombinant banana lectin (rBanLec) as a supporting therapeutic measure to improve IBD control and possibly increase vaccination rates among IBD patients. By examining the therapeutic efficacy of rBanLec in a murine model of experimental colitis, we aim to lay the foundation for its application in improving vaccination outcomes. After inducing experimental colitis in C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid, we treated animals orally with varying doses of rBanLec 0.1-10 µg/mL (0.01-1 µg/dose) during the course of the disease. We assessed the severity of colitis and rBanLec's modulation of the immune response compared to control groups. rBanLec administration resulted in an inverse dose-response reduction in colitis severity (less pronounced weight loss, less shortening of the colon) and an improved recovery profile, highlighting its therapeutic potential. Notably, rBanLec-treated mice exhibited significant modulation of the immune response, favoring anti-inflammatory pathways (primarily reduction in a local [TNFα]/[IL-10]) crucial for effective vaccination. Our findings suggest that rBanLec could mitigate the adverse effects of immunosuppressive therapy on vaccine responsiveness in IBD patients. By improving the underlying immune response, rBanLec may increase the efficacy of vaccinations, offering a dual benefit of disease management and prevention of vaccine-preventable illnesses. Further studies are required to translate these findings into clinical practice.
Topics: Animals; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Mice; Musa; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Disease Models, Animal; Colitis; Plant Lectins; Trinitrobenzenesulfonic Acid; Immunomodulating Agents; Female; Colon; Male
PubMed: 38892639
DOI: 10.3390/nu16111705