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Gualou-Xiebai-Banxia-Tang regulates liver-gut axis to ameliorate Metabolic Syndrome in HFD-fed mice.Phytomedicine : International Journal... Jan 2024Metabolic syndrome (MetS), characterized by obesity, hyperglycemia, and abnormal blood lipid levels, is the pathological basis of many cardiovascular diseases....
BACKGROUND
Metabolic syndrome (MetS), characterized by obesity, hyperglycemia, and abnormal blood lipid levels, is the pathological basis of many cardiovascular diseases. Gualou-Xiebai-Banxia-Tang decoction (GT) was first described in the Synopsis of the Golden Chamber, the earliest traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) monograph on diagnosis and treatment of miscellaneous diseases in China. According to TCM precepts, based on its ability to activate yang to release stagnation, activate qi to reduce depression, remove phlegm, and broaden the chest, GT has been used for more than 2,000 years to treat cardiovascular ailments. However, the molecular bases of its therapeutic mechanisms remain unclear.
PURPOSE
The aim of this study was to identify lipid- and glucose-related hepatic genes differentially regulated by GT, and to assess GT impact on gut microbiota composition, in mice with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced MetS.
STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS
ApoE/ mice were fed with an HFD for 24 weeks, with or without concurrent GT supplementation, to induce MetS. At the study's end, body weight, visceral fat weight, blood lipid levels, and insulin sensitivity were measured, and histopathological staining was used to evaluate hepatosteatosis and intestinal barrier integrity. Liver transcriptomics was used for analysis of differentially expressed genes in liver and prediction of relevant regulatory pathways. Hepatic lipid/glucose metabolism-related genes and proteins were detected by RT-qPCR and western blotting. Gut microbial composition was determined by 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
RESULTS
GT administration reduced MetS-related liver steatosis and weight gain, promoted insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism, and beneficially modulated gut microbiota composition by decreasing the relative abundance of g_Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and increasing the relative abundance of g_Alistipes. Liver transcriptomics revealed that GT regulated the expression of genes related to lipid and glucose metabolism (Pparγ, Igf1, Gpnmb, and Trem2) and of genes encoding chemokines/chemokine receptors (e.g. Cxcl9 and Cx3cr1). Significant, positive correlations were found for Ccr2, Ccl4, Ccr1, and Cx3cr1 and the g_Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, and between Cxcl9, Ccr2, Ccl4, and Cx3cr1 and g_Desulfovibrio. GT treatment downregulated the protein expressions of SCD1 and CX3CR1 and upregulated the expression of PCK1 protein.
CONCLUSION
GT supplementation alleviates HFD-induced MetS in mice by improving hepatic lipid and glucose metabolism. The anti-metabolic syndrome effects of GT may be related to the regulation of the gut-liver axis.
PubMed: 38901285
DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.155320 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Kostel. is a species of mangrove used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for treating inflammatory conditions. The present study aims to establish monographic botanical...
Kostel. is a species of mangrove used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for treating inflammatory conditions. The present study aims to establish monographic botanical and chemical quality criteria for leaf and bark as herbal substances and to evaluate their in vitro antioxidant potential. Macroscopic and microscopic qualitative and quantitative analyses, chemical LC-UV/DAD-ESI/MS profiling, and the quantification of key chemical classes were performed. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH and FRAP assays. Macroscopically, the leaf is asymmetrical with an emarginated apex and cuneate base. Microscopically, it shows features such as two-layered adaxial palisade parenchyma, vascular bundles surrounded by 3-6 layers of sclerenchyma, prismatic calcium oxalate crystals (5.89 ± 1.32 μm) along the fibers, paracytic stomata only on the abaxial epidermis (stomatal index-20.15), and non-glandular trichomes only on petiolules. The microscopic features of the bark include a broad cortex with large lignified sclereids, prismatic calcium oxalate crystals (8.24 ± 1.57 μm), and secondary phloem with distinct 2-5 seriated medullary rays without crystals. Chemical profile analysis revealed that phenolic derivatives, mainly condensed tannins and flavonoids, are the main classes identified. A total of 22 marker compounds were tentatively identified in both plant parts. The major compounds identified in the leaf were quercetin-3--glucoside and taxifolin pentoside and in the bark were B-type dimeric proanthocyanidins and taxifolin 3--rhamnoside. The total phenolics content was higher in the leaf (1521 ± 4.71 mg GAE/g dry weight), while the total flavonoids and condensed tannins content were higher in the bark (82 ± 0.58 mg CE/g and 1021 ± 5.51 mg CCE/g dry weight, respectively). A total of 70% of the hydroethanolic extracts of leaf and bark showed higher antioxidant activity than the ascorbic acid and concentration-dependent scavenging activity in the DPPH assay (IC 23.95 ± 0.93 and 23.63 ± 1.37 µg/mL, respectively). A positive and statistically significant ( < 0.05) correlation between the phenol content and antioxidant activity was found. The results obtained will provide important clues for the quality control criteria of leaf and bark, as well as for the knowledge of their pharmacological potential as possible anti-inflammatory agents with antioxidant activity.
Topics: Plant Bark; Plant Leaves; Antioxidants; Plant Extracts; Plants, Medicinal; Flavonoids; Phytochemicals; Herbal Medicine; Phenols; Proanthocyanidins
PubMed: 38893505
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29112629 -
EClinicalMedicine Jul 2024The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) recently classified opium consumption as carcinogenic to humans. This study aimed to estimate the potential...
BACKGROUND
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) recently classified opium consumption as carcinogenic to humans. This study aimed to estimate the potential reduction in incident cancers by 2035 in Iran, which accounts for 42% of global opium consumption, through decreasing opium use prevalence.
METHODS
The population attributable fraction (PAF) of opium-related cancers was projected using national cancer incidence, age- and gender-specific opium use prevalence, relative cancer risks associated with opium use, and annual percentage changes in cancer incidence rates in Iran. Opium-related cancers were defined based on IARC monographs as cancers of lung, larynx, bladder, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, and pharynx. The number of preventable cancer cases under different opium prevalence scenarios was determined by subtracting attributable cases in each year based on current prevalence from those in alternative scenarios.
FINDINGS
By 2035, an estimated 3,001,421 new cancer cases are expected in Iran, with 904,013 (30.1%) occurring in opium-related sites. Maintaining the current opium prevalence (5.6%) is projected to cause 111,130 new cancer cases (3.7% of all cancers, 12.3% of opium-related). A 10%, 30%, and 50% reduction in opium prevalence could prevent 9,016, 28,161, and 49,006 total incident cancers by 2035 in Iran, respectively. Reducing opium use prevalence by 10%-50% is projected to have the highest impact on lung cancer (prevention of 2,946-15,831 cases), stomach cancer (prevention of 2,404-12,593 cases), and bladder cancer (prevention of 1,725-9,520 cases).
INTERPRETATION
Our results highlight the significant benefits that can be achieved through effective cancer prevention policies targeting opium use in Iran. Neglecting this risk factor is estimated to pose a significant burden on cancer incidence in the next decade in this population.
FUNDING
None.
PubMed: 38881571
DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102650 -
World Neurosurgery Jun 2024Sir William Macewen, a Scottish surgeon, made significant contributions to neurosurgery, beginning with his successful brain tumour resection in 1879. Born in 1848,... (Review)
Review
Sir William Macewen, a Scottish surgeon, made significant contributions to neurosurgery, beginning with his successful brain tumour resection in 1879. Born in 1848, Macewen's upbringing in a maritime family fostered a practical approach to learning. Macewen's pivotal brain tumour surgery demonstrated his adherence to antiseptic practices and precise localisation techniques. Controversy arose regarding his precedence in neurosurgery, which he addressed through meticulous documentation and public presentations. His diagnostic prowess extended to cases of cerebral abscesses and intracranial conditions, relying on clinical observations rather than imaging technology. His 1893 monograph on brain infections remains influential in neurosurgery. Beyond neurosurgery, Macewen innovated in asepsis, hernia repair, and bone surgery. His legacy as a clinical educator and advocate for surgical advancements earned him widespread recognition. This historical review aims to explore and evaluate the published literature regarding Macewen's early brain tumour surgeries, seeking to establish his precedence over later surgeons like Godlee and Bennett.
PubMed: 38852713
DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.06.006 -
Allergologie Select 2024Development, production, and marketing authorization of allergen products is generally challenging due to several specific characteristics, including the natural source... (Review)
Review
Development, production, and marketing authorization of allergen products is generally challenging due to several specific characteristics, including the natural source as well as the multitude of allergenic materials. Also, depending on the frequency of sensitization in the population, the number of patients available for inclusion in clinical trials can be a limiting factor for product development. In the development of allergen products for diagnosis of type I and type IV allergies these challenges are particularly demanding because, in contrast to certain products for allergen-specific immunotherapy, no exemptions from marketing authorization are foreseen for this product group in Directive 2001/83/EC. Thus, the regulatory framework is constantly adapted within the legal scope in order to balance necessary regulatory requirements ensuring quality, safety, and efficacy with the clinical need for a comprehensive range of diagnostic allergen products. In this article, we give an overview on the current regulatory framework for development and marketing authorization of allergen products for diagnosis of rare type I and type IV allergies.
PubMed: 38835748
DOI: 10.5414/ALX02505E -
BMC Ecology and Evolution Jun 2024The geographic patterns of plant diversity in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) have been widely studied, but few studies have focused on wetland plants. This study...
BACKGROUND
The geographic patterns of plant diversity in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) have been widely studied, but few studies have focused on wetland plants. This study quantified the geographic patterns of wetland plant diversity in the QTP through a comprehensive analysis of taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional indices.
METHODS
Based on a large number of floras, monographs, specimens and field survey data, we constructed a comprehensive dataset of 1,958 wetland plant species in the QTP. Species richness (SR), phylogenetic diversity (PD), functional diversity (FD), net relatedness index (NRI) and net functional relatedness index (NFRI) were used to assess the taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional diversity of wetland plants. We explored the relationships between the diversity indices and four categories of environmental variables (i.e. energy-water, climate seasonality, topography and human activities). We used four diversity indices, namely endemic species richness, weighted endemism, phylogenetic endemism and functional endemism, together with the categorical analysis of neo- and paleo-endemism (CANAPE), to identify the endemic centers of wetland plants in the QTP.
RESULTS
SR, PD and FD were highly consistent and showed a decreasing trend from southeast to northwest, decreasing with increasing elevation. The phylogenetic structure of wetland plant assemblages in most parts of the plateau is mainly clustered. The functional structure of wetland plant assemblages in the southeast of the plateau is overdispersed, while the functional structure of wetland plant assemblages in other areas is clustered. Energy-water and climate seasonality were the two most important categories of variables affecting wetland plant diversity. Environmental variables had a greater effect on the functional structure of wetland plants than on the phylogenetic structure. This study identified seven endemic centres, mainly in the Himalayas and Hengduan Mountains.
CONCLUSIONS
Climate and topography are the main factors determining the geographic distribution of wetland plant diversity at large scales. The majority of grid cells in the QTP with significant phylogenetic endemism were mixed and super-endemism. At large scales, compared to climate and topography, human activities may not have a negative impact on wetland plant diversity in the QTP.
Topics: Wetlands; Biodiversity; Plants; Tibet; Phylogeny; China
PubMed: 38831426
DOI: 10.1186/s12862-024-02263-w -
First 150 years of catatonia: Looking back at its complicated history and forward to the road ahead.World Journal of Psychiatry May 2024Karl Ludwig Kahlbaum (1828-1899) was the first to conceptualize and describe the main clinical features of a novel psychiatric illness, which he termed catatonia in his...
Karl Ludwig Kahlbaum (1828-1899) was the first to conceptualize and describe the main clinical features of a novel psychiatric illness, which he termed catatonia in his groundbreaking monograph published 150 years ago. Although Kahlbaum postulated catatonia as a separate disease entity characterized by psychomotor symptoms and a cyclical course, a close examination of his 26 cases reveals that most of them presented with motor symptom complexes or syndromes associated with various psychiatric and medical conditions. In his classification system, Kraepelin categorized catatonic motor symptoms that occur in combination with psychotic symptoms and typically have a poor prognosis within his dementia praecox (schizophrenia) disease entity. Because of the substantial influence of Kraepelin's classification, catatonia was predominantly perceived as a component of schizophrenia for most of the 20 century. However, with the advent of the psychopharmacotherapy era starting from the early 1950s, interest in catatonia in both clinical practice and research subsided until the early 2000s. The past two decades have witnessed a resurgence of interest in catatonia. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition, marked a paradigmatic shift by acknowledging that catatonia can occur secondary to various psychiatric and medical conditions. The introduction of an independent diagnostic category termed "Catatonia Not Otherwise Specified" significantly stimulated research in this field. The authors briefly review the history and findings of recent catatonia research and highlight promising directions for future exploration.
PubMed: 38808080
DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v14.i5.600 -
ZooKeys 2024(Marshall, 1888) is redescribed and illustrated based on the holotype of Marshall, 1888 and on recently collected material from its type locality (Sicily, Italy)....
(Marshall, 1888) is redescribed and illustrated based on the holotype of Marshall, 1888 and on recently collected material from its type locality (Sicily, Italy). Previous host records for this species are unreliable. Here, the host of , the rare ptinid beetle Fairmaire, 1875, is recorded for the first time, having been reared in a historic library in Palermo, Italy. is compared with the similar species (= ) Marshall, 1888, which was described in the same monograph from Corsica (France), and it is also redescribed and illustrated. Docavo Alberti, 1960, is synonymised under (Marshall, 1888), and (= ) Giraud var. flava Fahringer, 1931, is a junior synonym of Rohwer, 1925. A key for determination of the Western Palaearctic species with a striate vertex is provided and the distributions of and are discussed.
PubMed: 38779585
DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1201.118549 -
ZooKeys 2024Hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) are the economically and ecologically most important blood-sucking arthropod vectors that can transmit disease agents under temperate...
Hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) are the economically and ecologically most important blood-sucking arthropod vectors that can transmit disease agents under temperate climate. In this group, the highest number of species (currently nearing 270) belongs to the genus . For this review, more than 400 papers related to this genus in the context of Russia were checked for data on the host records, locations of collection, as well as ecology of assigned tick species. This monograph compensates for the lack of a similarly comprehensive English-language overview of species in the region of Russia for nearly half century, and also makes a large set of data easily available for international readers, which is especially important if the original source is difficult to access from outside this country. In addition, the data from a significant number of papers on this topic available only in the Russian language are made accessible through this work.
PubMed: 38779584
DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1201.115467 -
Frontiers in Nutrition 2024The French maritime pine bark extract Pycnogenol is a proprietary product from Aiton. It complies with the quality specifications in the monograph "Pine extract" in... (Review)
Review
The French maritime pine bark extract Pycnogenol is a proprietary product from Aiton. It complies with the quality specifications in the monograph "Pine extract" in the section of dietary supplements. Pycnogenol is standardized to contain 65-75% procyanidins which are a variety of biopolymers consisting of catechin and epicatechin monomeric units. The effects of Pycnogenol have been researched in a multitude of human studies. The basis for any activity is the bioavailability of constituents and metabolites of the extract. General principles of compound absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination as well as specific data from studies with Pycnogenol are summarized and discussed in this review. Based on plasma concentration profiles it can be concluded that low molecular weight constituents of the extract, such as catechin, caffeic and ferulic acid, taxifolin are readily absorbed from the small intestine into systemic circulation. Procyanidin oligomers and polymers are subjected to gut microbial degradation in the large intestine yielding small bioavailable metabolites such as 5-(3',4'-dihydroxyphenyl)-γ-valerolactone. After intake of Pycnogenol, constituents and metabolites have been also detected in blood cells, synovial fluid and saliva indicating a substantial distribution in compartments other than serum. In studies simultaneously investigating concentrations in different specimen, a preferential distribution of individual compounds has been observed, e.g., of ferulic acid and 5-(3',4'-dihydroxyphenyl)-γ-valerolactone into synovial fluid compared to serum. The main route of elimination of constituents and metabolites of the French pine bark extract is the renal excretion. The broad knowledge accumulated regarding the pharmacokinetics of compounds and metabolites of Pycnogenol constitute a rational basis for effects characterized on a cellular level and observed in human clinical studies.
PubMed: 38757126
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1389422