As a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), borneol has shown superior ability for anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities when coupled with other active ingredients from ancient times. Furthermore, borneol is believed to improve blood concentration and bioavailability of drugs. Thus, it has been paired with various TCM formulas since ancient time. The physiological barriers in human can cause significant limitations in drug efficiency as the drug is primarily restricted from entering into blood and brain. Borneol has been proven to enhance the permeability of biological barriers such as the blood-brain, transdermal, corneal, and intestinal barriers. Moreover, growing interest has been shown in the drug delivery system design for trans-barrier transport involving borneol. Nano-drug delivery system with increased surface area and improved active sites, has been applied to increase the bioactivity of water insoluble drugs. Nano-drug delivery system has been used to enhance drug efficacy by reducing the time of action as compared to conventional administration approach of TCM formulas. Given its ability to enhance cross-barrier permeation and drug efficacy, borneol has been integrated into TCM formulas of drug delivery system for precise and prolonged targeting at tumor sites. However, the design and preparation of a drug delivery system consisting of borneol still face great challenges. Current research fails to unravel the difference in mechanism of action between nano-drug delivery systems comprised of borneol and conventional drug systems coupled with borneol. Enhanced penetration of borneol in drug delivery system is rarely verified compared to conventional administration with identical drug formulation consisting of borneol regarding dosage and medical indications. This study outlines the current state of research on the properties, formulation and pharmacological effects of borneol, allowing cross-comparison of borneol coupled with single compound and classical TCM formulas for various medical indications. This study aims to provide insights into the design of borneol-based enhanced cross-barrier delivery drug formulation, and the potential development of nano-drug system for TCM formulas with borneol for enhanced bioavailability.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation between nucleated red blood cell (NRBC) level on the first day of intensive care unit (ICU) admission and 28-day mortality in adult septic patients, and to evaluate the value of NRBC as an independent predictor of death. METHODS: Single-cell transcriptomic analysis was performed using the GSE167363 dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus (including 2 healthy controls, 3 surviving septic patients, and 2 non-surviving septic patients). A retrospective clinical analysis was conducted using the America Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV (MIMIC-IV) database, including adult patients (≥ 18 years) with first-time admission who met the Sepsis-3.0 criteria, excluding those without NRBC testing on the first ICU day. The demographic information, vital signs, laboratory test indicators, disease severity score and survival data on the first day of admission were collected. The restricted cubic spline (RCS) curve was used to determine the optimal cut-off value of NRBC for predicting 28-day mortality in patients. Patients were divided into low-risk and high-risk groups based on this cut-off value for intergroup comparison, with Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis conducted. Independent risk factors for 28-day mortality were analyzed using Logistic regression and Cox regression analysis, followed by the construction of regression models. RESULTS: NRBC were detected in the peripheral blood of septic patients by single-cell transcriptomic. A total of 1 291 sepsis patients were included in the clinical analysis, with 576 deaths within 28 days, corresponding to a 28-day mortality of 44.6%. RCS curve analysis showed a nonlinear relationship between the first-day NRBC level and the 28-day mortality. When NRBC ≥ 1%, the 28-day mortality of patients increased significantly. Compared to the low-risk group (NRBC < 1%), the high-risk group (NRBC ≥ 1%) had significantly higher respiratory rate, heart rate, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA), and simplified acute physiology score II (SAPSII), and significantly lower hematocrit and platelet count. The high-risk group also had a significantly higher 28-day mortality [49.8% (410/824) vs. 35.5% (166/467), P < 0.05], and shorter median survival time (days: 29.8 vs. 208.6, P < 0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed that compared with the low-risk group, the survival time of high-risk group was significantly shortened (Log-rank test: χ ² = 25.1, P < 0.001). After adjusting for potential confounding factors including body mass, temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, mean arterial pressure, serum creatinine, pulse oximetry saturation, hemoglobin, hematocrit, Na⁺, K⁺, platelet count, and SOFA score, multivariate regression analysis confirmed that NRBC ≥ 1% was an independent risk factor for 28-day mortality [Logistic regression: odds ratio (OR) = 1.464, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was 1.126-1.902, P = 0.004; Cox regression: hazard ratio (HR) = 1.268, 95%CI was 1.050-1.531, P = 0.013]. CONCLUSIONS NRBC ≥ 1% on the first day of ICU admission is an independent risk factor for 28-day mortality in septic patients and can serve as a practical indicator for early prognostic assessment.
Humans ; Sepsis/blood* ; Intensive Care Units ; Risk Factors ; Retrospective Studies ; Prognosis ; Male ; Female ; Hospital Mortality ; Middle Aged ; Aged

Objective: To investigate the effects of β-caryophyllene(BCP) on the browning of white adipose tissue in obese mice and the related mechanisms. Methods: An obese mouse model was establishedviaintraperitoneal injection of a high-fat diet supplemented with propylthiouracil saline solution [14.4 mg/(kg·d)] in male Kunming mice. Obesity model mice were randomly divided into a model group(Model group) and a BCP administration group(BCP-50 group); normal diet mice were set up as a control group(Control group), with 8 mice in each group. BCP administration was given by gavage at a dose of 50 mg/kg once in the morning and once in the evening in the BCP-administered group, while the rest of the group was administered by gavage with aqueous solution of Tween 80 for 4 weeks. The oral glucose tolerance test was performed at the end of 4-week administration, and mice were executed after overnight fasting at the end of the experiment, and blood samples and adipose tissues were rapidly collected for subsequent experimental tests. The kit was used to detect serological-related indexes; hematoxylin-eosin staining was conducted to observe the morphology of adipose tissue; immunohistochemical staining was carried out to observe the expression of uncoupling protein 1(UCP1) in adipose tissue; Western blot was employed to detect expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator1-α(PGC1α), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ(PPARγ), UCP1 and cannabinoid receptor 2(CNR2) proteins in epididymal white adipose(eWAT). Results: Compared with the model group, the body mass of obese mice in the BCP-50 group was significantly reduced(P<0.05), food intake was decreased(P<0.01), insulin resistance was improved(P<0.000 1), and the serum content of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C) and nonesterified fatty acid(NEFA) in the obese mice was significantly reduced(P<0.000 1 andP<0.01). Total cholesterol(TC), triglyceride(TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C) contents did not change significantly. In addition, the adiposity coefficient and eWAT specific gravity of obese mice in the BCP-50 group were significantly decreased(P<0.05); the adipocytes in eWAT and BAT were reduced; and the expression of the UCP1 protein was significantly elevated(P<0.01 andP<0.05). In addition to UCP1, the expression levels of PGC1α, PPARγ, and CNR2 proteins in the eWAT of obese mice in the BCP-50 group were also significantly elevated(P<0.01,P<0.05, andP<0.001). Conclusion β-caryophyllene promotes white adipose tissue browning through up-regulating PPARγ/PGC-1α/UCP1 pathway expression, thus improving obesity.

Objective To investigate the effects of β-caryophyllene(BCP)on the browning of white adipose tissue in obese mice and the related mechanisms.Methods An obese mouse model was established via intraperitoneal injection of a high-fat diet supplemented with propylthiouracil saline solution[14.4 mg/(kg·d)]in male Kun-ming mice.Obesity model mice were randomly divided into a model group(Model group)and a BCP administra-tion group(BCP-50 group);normal diet mice were set up as a control group(Control group),with 8 mice in each group.BCP administration was given by gavage at a dose of 50 mg/kg once in the morning and once in the evening in the BCP-administered group,while the rest of the group was administered by gavage with aqueous solution of Tween 80 for 4 weeks.The oral glucose tolerance test was performed at the end of 4-week administration,and mice were executed after overnight fasting at the end of the experiment,and blood samples and adipose tissues were rap-idly collected for subsequent experimental tests.The kit was used to detect serological-related indexes;hematoxy-lin-eosin staining was conducted to observe the morphology of adipose tissue;immunohistochemical staining was carried out to observe the expression of uncoupling protein 1(UCP1)in adipose tissue;Western blot was employed to detect expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator1-α(PGC1α),peroxisome prolifera-tor-activated receptor γ(PPARγ),UCP1 and cannabinoid receptor 2(CNR2)proteins in epididymal white adi-pose(eWAT).Results Compared with the model group,the body mass of obese mice in the BCP-50 group was significantly reduced(P＜0.05),food intake was decreased(P＜0.01),insulin resistance was improved(P＜0.000 1),and the serum content of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)and nonesterified fatty acid(NE-FA)in the obese mice was significantly reduced(P＜0.000 1 and P＜0.01).Total cholesterol(TC),triglycer-ide(TG),and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)contents did not change significantly.In addition,the adiposity coefficient and eWAT specific gravity of obese mice in the BCP-50 group were significantly decreased(P＜0.05);the adipocytes in eWAT and BAT were reduced;and the expression of the UCP1 protein was signifi-cantly elevated(P＜0.01 and P＜0.05).In addition to UCP1,the expression levels of PGC1α,PPARγ,and CNR2 proteins in the eWAT of obese mice in the BCP-50 group were also significantly elevated(P＜0.01,P＜0.05,and P＜0.001).Conclusion β-caryophyllene promotes white adipose tissue browning through up-regula-ting PPARγ/PGC-1α/UCP1 pathway expression,thus improving obesity.

Objective To investigate the effects of β-caryophyllene(BCP)on the browning of white adipose tissue in obese mice and the related mechanisms.Methods An obese mouse model was established via intraperitoneal injection of a high-fat diet supplemented with propylthiouracil saline solution[14.4 mg/(kg·d)]in male Kun-ming mice.Obesity model mice were randomly divided into a model group(Model group)and a BCP administra-tion group(BCP-50 group);normal diet mice were set up as a control group(Control group),with 8 mice in each group.BCP administration was given by gavage at a dose of 50 mg/kg once in the morning and once in the evening in the BCP-administered group,while the rest of the group was administered by gavage with aqueous solution of Tween 80 for 4 weeks.The oral glucose tolerance test was performed at the end of 4-week administration,and mice were executed after overnight fasting at the end of the experiment,and blood samples and adipose tissues were rap-idly collected for subsequent experimental tests.The kit was used to detect serological-related indexes;hematoxy-lin-eosin staining was conducted to observe the morphology of adipose tissue;immunohistochemical staining was carried out to observe the expression of uncoupling protein 1(UCP1)in adipose tissue;Western blot was employed to detect expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator1-α(PGC1α),peroxisome prolifera-tor-activated receptor γ(PPARγ),UCP1 and cannabinoid receptor 2(CNR2)proteins in epididymal white adi-pose(eWAT).Results Compared with the model group,the body mass of obese mice in the BCP-50 group was significantly reduced(P＜0.05),food intake was decreased(P＜0.01),insulin resistance was improved(P＜0.000 1),and the serum content of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)and nonesterified fatty acid(NE-FA)in the obese mice was significantly reduced(P＜0.000 1 and P＜0.01).Total cholesterol(TC),triglycer-ide(TG),and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)contents did not change significantly.In addition,the adiposity coefficient and eWAT specific gravity of obese mice in the BCP-50 group were significantly decreased(P＜0.05);the adipocytes in eWAT and BAT were reduced;and the expression of the UCP1 protein was signifi-cantly elevated(P＜0.01 and P＜0.05).In addition to UCP1,the expression levels of PGC1α,PPARγ,and CNR2 proteins in the eWAT of obese mice in the BCP-50 group were also significantly elevated(P＜0.01,P＜0.05,and P＜0.001).Conclusion β-caryophyllene promotes white adipose tissue browning through up-regula-ting PPARγ/PGC-1α/UCP1 pathway expression,thus improving obesity.

Objective To investigate the effects of β-caryophyllene(BCP)on the browning of white adipose tissue in obese mice and the related mechanisms.Methods An obese mouse model was established via intraperitoneal injection of a high-fat diet supplemented with propylthiouracil saline solution[14.4 mg/(kg·d)]in male Kun-ming mice.Obesity model mice were randomly divided into a model group(Model group)and a BCP administra-tion group(BCP-50 group);normal diet mice were set up as a control group(Control group),with 8 mice in each group.BCP administration was given by gavage at a dose of 50 mg/kg once in the morning and once in the evening in the BCP-administered group,while the rest of the group was administered by gavage with aqueous solution of Tween 80 for 4 weeks.The oral glucose tolerance test was performed at the end of 4-week administration,and mice were executed after overnight fasting at the end of the experiment,and blood samples and adipose tissues were rap-idly collected for subsequent experimental tests.The kit was used to detect serological-related indexes;hematoxy-lin-eosin staining was conducted to observe the morphology of adipose tissue;immunohistochemical staining was carried out to observe the expression of uncoupling protein 1(UCP1)in adipose tissue;Western blot was employed to detect expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator1-α(PGC1α),peroxisome prolifera-tor-activated receptor γ(PPARγ),UCP1 and cannabinoid receptor 2(CNR2)proteins in epididymal white adi-pose(eWAT).Results Compared with the model group,the body mass of obese mice in the BCP-50 group was significantly reduced(P＜0.05),food intake was decreased(P＜0.01),insulin resistance was improved(P＜0.000 1),and the serum content of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)and nonesterified fatty acid(NE-FA)in the obese mice was significantly reduced(P＜0.000 1 and P＜0.01).Total cholesterol(TC),triglycer-ide(TG),and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)contents did not change significantly.In addition,the adiposity coefficient and eWAT specific gravity of obese mice in the BCP-50 group were significantly decreased(P＜0.05);the adipocytes in eWAT and BAT were reduced;and the expression of the UCP1 protein was signifi-cantly elevated(P＜0.01 and P＜0.05).In addition to UCP1,the expression levels of PGC1α,PPARγ,and CNR2 proteins in the eWAT of obese mice in the BCP-50 group were also significantly elevated(P＜0.01,P＜0.05,and P＜0.001).Conclusion β-caryophyllene promotes white adipose tissue browning through up-regula-ting PPARγ/PGC-1α/UCP1 pathway expression,thus improving obesity.

Objective To investigate the effects of β-caryophyllene(BCP)on the browning of white adipose tissue in obese mice and the related mechanisms.Methods An obese mouse model was established via intraperitoneal injection of a high-fat diet supplemented with propylthiouracil saline solution[14.4 mg/(kg·d)]in male Kun-ming mice.Obesity model mice were randomly divided into a model group(Model group)and a BCP administra-tion group(BCP-50 group);normal diet mice were set up as a control group(Control group),with 8 mice in each group.BCP administration was given by gavage at a dose of 50 mg/kg once in the morning and once in the evening in the BCP-administered group,while the rest of the group was administered by gavage with aqueous solution of Tween 80 for 4 weeks.The oral glucose tolerance test was performed at the end of 4-week administration,and mice were executed after overnight fasting at the end of the experiment,and blood samples and adipose tissues were rap-idly collected for subsequent experimental tests.The kit was used to detect serological-related indexes;hematoxy-lin-eosin staining was conducted to observe the morphology of adipose tissue;immunohistochemical staining was carried out to observe the expression of uncoupling protein 1(UCP1)in adipose tissue;Western blot was employed to detect expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator1-α(PGC1α),peroxisome prolifera-tor-activated receptor γ(PPARγ),UCP1 and cannabinoid receptor 2(CNR2)proteins in epididymal white adi-pose(eWAT).Results Compared with the model group,the body mass of obese mice in the BCP-50 group was significantly reduced(P＜0.05),food intake was decreased(P＜0.01),insulin resistance was improved(P＜0.000 1),and the serum content of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)and nonesterified fatty acid(NE-FA)in the obese mice was significantly reduced(P＜0.000 1 and P＜0.01).Total cholesterol(TC),triglycer-ide(TG),and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)contents did not change significantly.In addition,the adiposity coefficient and eWAT specific gravity of obese mice in the BCP-50 group were significantly decreased(P＜0.05);the adipocytes in eWAT and BAT were reduced;and the expression of the UCP1 protein was signifi-cantly elevated(P＜0.01 and P＜0.05).In addition to UCP1,the expression levels of PGC1α,PPARγ,and CNR2 proteins in the eWAT of obese mice in the BCP-50 group were also significantly elevated(P＜0.01,P＜0.05,and P＜0.001).Conclusion β-caryophyllene promotes white adipose tissue browning through up-regula-ting PPARγ/PGC-1α/UCP1 pathway expression,thus improving obesity.

Objective To investigate the effects of β-caryophyllene(BCP)on the browning of white adipose tissue in obese mice and the related mechanisms.Methods An obese mouse model was established via intraperitoneal injection of a high-fat diet supplemented with propylthiouracil saline solution[14.4 mg/(kg·d)]in male Kun-ming mice.Obesity model mice were randomly divided into a model group(Model group)and a BCP administra-tion group(BCP-50 group);normal diet mice were set up as a control group(Control group),with 8 mice in each group.BCP administration was given by gavage at a dose of 50 mg/kg once in the morning and once in the evening in the BCP-administered group,while the rest of the group was administered by gavage with aqueous solution of Tween 80 for 4 weeks.The oral glucose tolerance test was performed at the end of 4-week administration,and mice were executed after overnight fasting at the end of the experiment,and blood samples and adipose tissues were rap-idly collected for subsequent experimental tests.The kit was used to detect serological-related indexes;hematoxy-lin-eosin staining was conducted to observe the morphology of adipose tissue;immunohistochemical staining was carried out to observe the expression of uncoupling protein 1(UCP1)in adipose tissue;Western blot was employed to detect expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator1-α(PGC1α),peroxisome prolifera-tor-activated receptor γ(PPARγ),UCP1 and cannabinoid receptor 2(CNR2)proteins in epididymal white adi-pose(eWAT).Results Compared with the model group,the body mass of obese mice in the BCP-50 group was significantly reduced(P＜0.05),food intake was decreased(P＜0.01),insulin resistance was improved(P＜0.000 1),and the serum content of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)and nonesterified fatty acid(NE-FA)in the obese mice was significantly reduced(P＜0.000 1 and P＜0.01).Total cholesterol(TC),triglycer-ide(TG),and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)contents did not change significantly.In addition,the adiposity coefficient and eWAT specific gravity of obese mice in the BCP-50 group were significantly decreased(P＜0.05);the adipocytes in eWAT and BAT were reduced;and the expression of the UCP1 protein was signifi-cantly elevated(P＜0.01 and P＜0.05).In addition to UCP1,the expression levels of PGC1α,PPARγ,and CNR2 proteins in the eWAT of obese mice in the BCP-50 group were also significantly elevated(P＜0.01,P＜0.05,and P＜0.001).Conclusion β-caryophyllene promotes white adipose tissue browning through up-regula-ting PPARγ/PGC-1α/UCP1 pathway expression,thus improving obesity.

Objective To investigate the effects of β-caryophyllene(BCP)on the browning of white adipose tissue in obese mice and the related mechanisms.Methods An obese mouse model was established via intraperitoneal injection of a high-fat diet supplemented with propylthiouracil saline solution[14.4 mg/(kg·d)]in male Kun-ming mice.Obesity model mice were randomly divided into a model group(Model group)and a BCP administra-tion group(BCP-50 group);normal diet mice were set up as a control group(Control group),with 8 mice in each group.BCP administration was given by gavage at a dose of 50 mg/kg once in the morning and once in the evening in the BCP-administered group,while the rest of the group was administered by gavage with aqueous solution of Tween 80 for 4 weeks.The oral glucose tolerance test was performed at the end of 4-week administration,and mice were executed after overnight fasting at the end of the experiment,and blood samples and adipose tissues were rap-idly collected for subsequent experimental tests.The kit was used to detect serological-related indexes;hematoxy-lin-eosin staining was conducted to observe the morphology of adipose tissue;immunohistochemical staining was carried out to observe the expression of uncoupling protein 1(UCP1)in adipose tissue;Western blot was employed to detect expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator1-α(PGC1α),peroxisome prolifera-tor-activated receptor γ(PPARγ),UCP1 and cannabinoid receptor 2(CNR2)proteins in epididymal white adi-pose(eWAT).Results Compared with the model group,the body mass of obese mice in the BCP-50 group was significantly reduced(P＜0.05),food intake was decreased(P＜0.01),insulin resistance was improved(P＜0.000 1),and the serum content of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)and nonesterified fatty acid(NE-FA)in the obese mice was significantly reduced(P＜0.000 1 and P＜0.01).Total cholesterol(TC),triglycer-ide(TG),and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)contents did not change significantly.In addition,the adiposity coefficient and eWAT specific gravity of obese mice in the BCP-50 group were significantly decreased(P＜0.05);the adipocytes in eWAT and BAT were reduced;and the expression of the UCP1 protein was signifi-cantly elevated(P＜0.01 and P＜0.05).In addition to UCP1,the expression levels of PGC1α,PPARγ,and CNR2 proteins in the eWAT of obese mice in the BCP-50 group were also significantly elevated(P＜0.01,P＜0.05,and P＜0.001).Conclusion β-caryophyllene promotes white adipose tissue browning through up-regula-ting PPARγ/PGC-1α/UCP1 pathway expression,thus improving obesity.

Objective To investigate the effects of β-caryophyllene(BCP)on the browning of white adipose tissue in obese mice and the related mechanisms.Methods An obese mouse model was established via intraperitoneal injection of a high-fat diet supplemented with propylthiouracil saline solution[14.4 mg/(kg·d)]in male Kun-ming mice.Obesity model mice were randomly divided into a model group(Model group)and a BCP administra-tion group(BCP-50 group);normal diet mice were set up as a control group(Control group),with 8 mice in each group.BCP administration was given by gavage at a dose of 50 mg/kg once in the morning and once in the evening in the BCP-administered group,while the rest of the group was administered by gavage with aqueous solution of Tween 80 for 4 weeks.The oral glucose tolerance test was performed at the end of 4-week administration,and mice were executed after overnight fasting at the end of the experiment,and blood samples and adipose tissues were rap-idly collected for subsequent experimental tests.The kit was used to detect serological-related indexes;hematoxy-lin-eosin staining was conducted to observe the morphology of adipose tissue;immunohistochemical staining was carried out to observe the expression of uncoupling protein 1(UCP1)in adipose tissue;Western blot was employed to detect expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator1-α(PGC1α),peroxisome prolifera-tor-activated receptor γ(PPARγ),UCP1 and cannabinoid receptor 2(CNR2)proteins in epididymal white adi-pose(eWAT).Results Compared with the model group,the body mass of obese mice in the BCP-50 group was significantly reduced(P＜0.05),food intake was decreased(P＜0.01),insulin resistance was improved(P＜0.000 1),and the serum content of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)and nonesterified fatty acid(NE-FA)in the obese mice was significantly reduced(P＜0.000 1 and P＜0.01).Total cholesterol(TC),triglycer-ide(TG),and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)contents did not change significantly.In addition,the adiposity coefficient and eWAT specific gravity of obese mice in the BCP-50 group were significantly decreased(P＜0.05);the adipocytes in eWAT and BAT were reduced;and the expression of the UCP1 protein was signifi-cantly elevated(P＜0.01 and P＜0.05).In addition to UCP1,the expression levels of PGC1α,PPARγ,and CNR2 proteins in the eWAT of obese mice in the BCP-50 group were also significantly elevated(P＜0.01,P＜0.05,and P＜0.001).Conclusion β-caryophyllene promotes white adipose tissue browning through up-regula-ting PPARγ/PGC-1α/UCP1 pathway expression,thus improving obesity.