Objective To explore the safety and effects of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) in patients with ischemic heart failure (IHF). Methods A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was designed (ClinicalTrial.gov registration number NCT03491969). From January 2019 to January 2023, 300 patients with IHF were enrolled in four medical centers in China, and were randomly assigned at a 1∶1 ratio to receive ALA (600 mg daily) or placebo on top of standard care for 24 months. The primary outcome was the composite outcome of hospitalization for heart failure (HF) or all-cause mortality events. The second outcome included non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), non-fatal stroke, changes of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) from baseline to 24 months after randomization. Results Finally, 138 patients of the ALA group and 139 patients of the placebo group attained the primary outcome. Hospitalization for HF or all-cause mortality events occurred in 32 patients (23.2%) of the ALA group and in 40 patients (28.8%) of the placebo group (HR＝0.753, 95%CI 0.473-1.198, P＝0.231; Figure 1A-1C). The absolute risk reduction (ARR) was 5.6%, the relative risk reduction (RRR) associated with ALA therapy was approximately 19.4% compared to placebo, corresponding to a number needed to treat (NNT) of 18 patients to prevent one event. In the secondary outcome analysis, the composite outcome of the major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) including the hospitalization for HF, all-cause mortality events, non-fatal MI or non-fatal stroke occurred in 35 patients (25.4%) in the ALA group and 47 patients (33.8%) in the placebo group (HR＝0.685, 95%CI 0.442-1.062, P＝0.091; Figure 1D). Moreover, greater improvement in LVEF (β＝3.20, 95%CI 1.14-5.23, P＝0.002) and 6MWD (β＝31.7, 95%CI 8.3-54.7, P＝0.008) from baseline to 24 months after randomization were observed in the ALA group as compared to the placebo group. There were no differences in adverse events between the study groups. Conclusions These results show potential long-term beneficial effects of adding ALA to IHF patients. ALA could significantly improve LVEF and 6MWD compared to the placebo group in IHF patients.

Objective:To observe the effect of stellate ganglion block(SGB)on the inflammatory response in rats with acute peritonitis,and to explore whether the possible anti-inflammatory mechanism related to the activation of α7nAChR receptor-mediated cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway.Methods:A total of 36 SD rats were randomly divided into three groups,with 12 rats in each group:sham operation group(S group),acute peritonitis group(AP group)and SGB treatment group(SGB group).2%acetic acid(1 ml/100 g)was intraperitoneally injected to prepare acute peritonitis rat model in AP group and SGB group,and corresponding dose of normal saline was injected into S group.Right cervical sympathetic nerve was separated but not ligated in AP group and S group,the right cervical sympathetic nerve was severed and ligated in SGB group.Abdominal aorta blood samples were collected 24 h after opera-tion,and serum levels of IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α were measured by ELISA,pathological changes of peritoneal tissue were observed by light microscope and expression of α7nAChR in peritoneal tissue was measured by Western blot.Results:Compared with S group,se-rum levels of IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α in AP and SGB groups were significantly increased(P<0.05).Serum levels of IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α in SGB group were significantly lower than those in AP group(P<0.05).HE staining of peritoneal tissues in each group revealed that the S group maintained intact peritoneal structure with normal cellular arrangement,while the AP group exhibited disorganized archi-tecture with extensive inflammatory cell infiltration,frequent hemorrhage,and prominent necrotic cells.In contrast,the SGB group displayed only mild inflammatory infiltration with preserved cellular morphology and minimal hemorrhagic or necrotic changes.The ex-pression level of α7nAChR protein in SGB group was significantly higher than that in S group and AP group.Conclusion:SGB can re-duce the inflammatory response of acute peritonitis rats,and its mechanism may be related to the cholinergic anti-inflammatory path-way mediated by α7nAChR.

Objective:To observe any therapeutic effect of kinesio taping the orbicularis oris and cervical swallowing muscle groups on drooling among children with cerebral palsy (CP).Methods:Fifty-two children with CP salivating excessively were divided at random into a control group and an experimental group, each of 26. Both groups received routine oral and facial exercise training and sensory stimulation, but the experimental group was additionally provided with kinesio taping of the orbicularis oris muscle and related neck muscle groups. The taping was applied twice a week for 12 hours each time, continuing for 6 months. Before and after the treatment, both groups′ drooling and language use were evaluated using the teacher drooling grading method (TDS) and a language developmental delay assessment (S-S), respectively. Kendall rank correlation coefficients were computed to compare the treatment efficacy for children with the same TDS grading, cerebral palsy classification, and S-S segmentation.Results:After the treatment the average TDS scores of both groups had decreased significantly. The average TDS score of the experimental group was then significantly lower than that of the control group. The total effectiveness rate for those in the experimental group with TDS grades II or V was significantly higher than those controls with the same TDS grades, the effectiveness rate for those with spastic and mixed type or language function in stage 4-2 and stage 5-2 in the experiment group was also significantly higher than for those of the control group. According to the correlation analysis, the language function of both groups was significantly correlated with the therapeutic effect.Conclusions:Supplementing routine rehabilitation training with kinesio taping of the orbicularis oris muscle and the cervical swallowing muscle group can significantly relieve CP children′s excessive salivation. Their language use is significantly positively correlated with the effectiveness of such combined treatment.

Aim To study the therapeutic effect of al-licin on senna-induced diarrhea in mice and to explore the underlying mechanism.Methods Forty-eight C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into six groups:control,model,loperamide positive control group(2 mg·kg-1),allicin low-dose group(6 mg·kg-1),allicin medium-dose group(12 mg·kg-1)and allicin high-dose group(18 mg·kg-1).Except for the con-trol group,the diarrhea model was induced in the other groups by intragastric administration of senna leaf ex-tract.After drug administration,several diarrhea indi-ces were measured:the rate of loose stools,diarrhea index,accumulated frequency of loose stools at differ-ent time points within 5 hours,and small intestine pro-pelling rate.Serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were de-tected by ELISA.Serum NO content was determined u-sing the Griess method.The activities of SOD and CAT,as well as MDA content in the ileum and colon,were measured.The pathological changes and the ex-pression of mRNA related to intestinal barrier proteins in the ileum and colon were evaluated using HE stai-ning and RT-qPCR.Results Allicin improved diar-rhea symptoms in mice induced by senna leaf.It re-duced the rate of loose stools,diarrhea index,cumula-tive number of loose stools in five hours,and the intes-tinal propulsion rate.Allicin also protected the intesti-nal mucosa,decreased serum TNF-α and IL-6 levels,and lowered MDA content in the intestines.It in-creased serum NO levels and enhanced SOD and CAT activities in the intestines.Additionally,allicin upreg-ulated the mRNA expression of AQP1,AQP4,and ZO-1 in intestinal tissues.Conclusions Allicin has a significant therapeutic effect on senna-induced diarrhea in mice.The underlying molecular mechanisms may involve anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects,in-creased NO content,and upregulation of mRNA ex-pression of aquaporins and tight-junction proteins.

Objective:To observe any therapeutic effect of kinesio taping the orbicularis oris and cervical swallowing muscle groups on drooling among children with cerebral palsy (CP).Methods:Fifty-two children with CP salivating excessively were divided at random into a control group and an experimental group, each of 26. Both groups received routine oral and facial exercise training and sensory stimulation, but the experimental group was additionally provided with kinesio taping of the orbicularis oris muscle and related neck muscle groups. The taping was applied twice a week for 12 hours each time, continuing for 6 months. Before and after the treatment, both groups′ drooling and language use were evaluated using the teacher drooling grading method (TDS) and a language developmental delay assessment (S-S), respectively. Kendall rank correlation coefficients were computed to compare the treatment efficacy for children with the same TDS grading, cerebral palsy classification, and S-S segmentation.Results:After the treatment the average TDS scores of both groups had decreased significantly. The average TDS score of the experimental group was then significantly lower than that of the control group. The total effectiveness rate for those in the experimental group with TDS grades II or V was significantly higher than those controls with the same TDS grades, the effectiveness rate for those with spastic and mixed type or language function in stage 4-2 and stage 5-2 in the experiment group was also significantly higher than for those of the control group. According to the correlation analysis, the language function of both groups was significantly correlated with the therapeutic effect.Conclusions:Supplementing routine rehabilitation training with kinesio taping of the orbicularis oris muscle and the cervical swallowing muscle group can significantly relieve CP children′s excessive salivation. Their language use is significantly positively correlated with the effectiveness of such combined treatment.

Objective To sort,summarize,and introduce key terms related to guideline reporting,evaluation,dissemination,implementation,and updating.Methods We systematically searched guideline de-velopment manuals and methodological literature from database inception to October 25,2024.Terms related to guideline reporting,updating,evaluation,and implementation were extracted,standardized,and finalized through a structured consensus process.Results A total of 13 guideline manuals and 32 methodological articles were included,yielding 14 core terms with standardized definitions.Conclusions This article introduces key terms such as reporting standards,external review,and research gaps across guideline development phases to promote concept application and deepen readers'understanding of guideline development.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic and recurrent intestinal disease, and has become a major global health issue. Individuals with IBD face an elevated risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC), and recent studies have indicated that mitochondrial dysfunction plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of both IBD and CRC. This review covers the pathogenesis of IBD and CRC, focusing on mitochondrial dysfunction, and explores pharmacological targets and strategies for addressing both conditions by modulating mitochondrial function. Additionally, recent advancements in the pharmacological modulation of mitochondrial dysfunction for treating IBD and CRC, encompassing mitochondrial damage, release of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), and impairment of mitophagy, are thoroughly summarized. The review also provides a systematic overview of natural compounds (such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and diterpenoids), Chinese medicines, and intestinal microbiota, which can alleviate IBD and attenuate the progression of CRC by modulating mitochondrial function. In the future, it will be imperative to develop more practical methodologies for real-time monitoring and accurate detection of mitochondrial function, which will greatly aid scientists in identifying more effective agents for treating IBD and CRC through modulation of mitochondrial function.

Chirality is not only a natural phenomenon but also a bridge between chemistry and life sciences. An effective way to obtain a single enantiomer is through racemates resolution. Recent literature shows that chiral metal-organic frameworks (CMOFs) have many applications in various fields because of their diverse topologies and functionalities. This review outlines the design idea and summarizes the latest synthesis strategies and applications of CMOFs. It highlights key advances and issues in the separation domain. In conclusion, the review provides perspectives on the challenges and prospective advancements of CMOFs materials and CMOFs-based separation technologies.

This research investigated the impact of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides(GLP) on hepatoblastoma HepG2 and Huh6 cell models, as well as KM mouse model with in situ transplanted tumors, so as to provide a theoretical basis for the clinical application of GLP. Cell viability was assessed through the CCK-8 assay, whereas cell proliferation was evaluated by using the BeyoClick~(TM)EdU-488 test. Cell apoptosis was visualized via Hochest 33258 staining, and autophagy was detected through Mrfp-GFP-LC3 dual fluorescence staining. An in situ tumor transplantation model was created by using HepG2 cells in mice, and mice were treated with normal saline and GLP of 100, 200, and 300 mg·kg~(-1) for tumor count calculation and size assessment. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in tumor tissue and vital organs(liver, kidney, lung, spleen, and heart). Western blot analysis was conducted to measure the protein expressions of tumor protein P53(P53), B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax), cleaved-caspase-3, Beclin-1, autophagy related protein-5(Atg-5), microtubule-associated protein-light chain-3Ⅰ(LC3Ⅰ)/LC3Ⅱ, autophagy adapter protein 62(P62), protein kinase B(Akt), p-Akt, mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR), and p-mTOR. The in vitro experiment revealed that compared with the control group, after GLP treatment, tumor cell viability decreased significantly; apoptosis rate increased in a dose-dependent manner, and autophagic flux was inhibited. The in vivo experiments showed that compared with the model group, mice treated with GLP exhibited significantly fewer and smaller tumors. Western blot results showed that compared with the control group or model group, levels of P53, Bax, cleaved-caspase-3, Beclin-1, Atg-5, and LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ were significantly increased after GLP treatment, and the levels of Bcl-2, P62, p-Akt/Akt, and p-mTOR/mTOR were significantly decreased. These outcomes suggest that GLP promotes apoptosis and autophagy in hepatoblastoma cells by regulating the Akt/mTOR pathway.
Animals ; Humans ; Autophagy/drug effects* ; Reishi/chemistry* ; Mice ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/genetics* ; Liver Neoplasms/genetics* ; Hepatoblastoma/genetics* ; Polysaccharides/pharmacology* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Male ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects* ; Hep G2 Cells

This study aims to explore the effects and action mechanisms of the active ingredients in Buyang Huanwu Decoction(BYHWD), namely tetramethylpyrazine(TMP) and hydroxy-safflor yellow A(HSYA), on oxygen-glucose deprivation/reglucose-reoxygenation(OGD/R)-induced inflammation and oxidative stress of microglia(MG). Network pharmacology was used to screen the effective monomer ingredients of BYHWD and determine the safe concentration range for each component. Inflammation and oxidative stress models were established to further screen the best ingredient combination and optimal concentration ratio with the most effective anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. OGD/R BV2 cell models were constructed, and BV2 cells in the logarithmic growth phase were divided into a normal group, a model group, an HSYA group, a TMP group, and an HSYA + TMP group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the levels of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β(IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), and interleukin-6(IL-6). Oxidative stress markers, including superoxide dismutase(SOD), nitric oxide(NO), and malondialdehyde(MDA), were also measured. Western blot was used to analyze the protein expression of both inflammation-related pathway [Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB)] and oxidative stress-related pathway [nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1(HO-1)]. Immunofluorescence was used to assess the expression of proteins such as inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS) and arginase-1(Arg-1). The most effective ingredients for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in BYHWD were TMP and HSYA. Compared to the normal group, the model group showed significantly increased levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, NO, and MDA, along with significantly higher protein expression of NF-κB, TLR4, Nrf2, and HO-1 and significantly lower SOD levels. The differences between the two groups were statistically significant. Compared to the model group, both the HSYA group and the TMP group showed significantly reduced levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, NO, and MDA, lower expression of NF-κB and TLR4 proteins, higher levels of SOD, and significantly increased protein expression of Nrf2 and HO-1. Additionally, the expression of the M1-type MG marker iNOS was significantly reduced, while the expression of the M2-type MG marker Arg-1 was significantly increased. The results of the HSYA group and the TMP group had statistically significant differences from those of the model group. Compared to the HSYA group and the TMP group, the HSYA + TMP group showed further significant reductions in IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, NO, and MDA levels, along with significant reductions in NF-κB and TLR4 protein expression, an increase in SOD levels, and elevated Nrf2 and HO-1 protein expression. Additionally, the expression of the M1-type MG marker iNOS was reduced, while the M2-type MG marker Arg-1 expression increased significantly in the HSYA + TMP group compared to the TMP or HSYA group. The differences in the results were statistically significant between the HSYA + TMP group and the TMP or HSYA group. The findings indicated that the combined use of HSYA and TMP, the active ingredients of BYHWD, can effectively inhibit OGD/R-induced inflammation and oxidative stress of MG, showing superior effects compared to the individual use of either component.
Oxidative Stress/drug effects* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Animals ; Mice ; Glucose/metabolism* ; Cell Line ; Inflammation/genetics* ; Oxygen/metabolism* ; Pyrazines/pharmacology* ; Microglia/metabolism* ; NF-E2-Related Factor 2/immunology* ; NF-kappa B/immunology* ; Toll-Like Receptor 4/immunology* ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology* ; Humans