Kui was first recorded in The Rites of Zhou and is the earliest domesticated wild vegetable in China. In the Qi Min Yao Shu, Kui was called “the master of all vegetables” and has a long history of application in China. As a medicine, Kuizi was first recorded in Shen Nong’s Herbal Classic, which has a history of more than 2 000 years of medicinal use and a long history of clinical application. By researching the ancient and modern herbal literature, the first herbs texts of Kui were examined, various recorded texts, confused products and the history of the original medicinal use were clarified. It was concluded that the ancient herbal texts recorded the base plant of Kui as Malva verticillata L. belonging to family Malvaceae, which provided scientific basis for the development and utilization of Kui.

Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), a treasure of the Chinese nation, contains abundant chemical components and demonstrates unique pharmacological activities, showing important values in clinical applications. With profound connotations and broad application prospects, TCM urgently needs us to further explore and conduct systematic research. Puerarin is a small-molecule natural isoflavonoid carbon glycoside extracted from plants of Pueraria. It is also the main active ingredient of Puerariae Lobata Radix, a Chinese herbal medicine with both medicinal and edible values. Puerarin has a variety of pharmacological effects such as blood pressure-lowering, anti-atherosclerosis, anti-ischemia-reperfusion injury, antithrombotic, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, liver-protecting, nerve cell-protecting, and intestinal microbiota-regulating effects. It is also an active ingredient that has been widely studied. This article comprehensively reviews the research progress in the pharmacological effects and molecular mechanisms of puerarin over the years, aiming to provide references and theoretical support for the in-depth research and development as well as clinical application of puerarin.
Isoflavones/chemistry* ; Humans ; Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Pueraria/chemistry*

OBJECTIVE: The study aim was to investigate the effects of exposure to multiple environmental organic pollutants on cardiopulmonary health with a focus on the potential mediating role of oxidative stress. METHODS: A repeated-measures randomized crossover study involving healthy college students in Beijing was conducted. Biological samples, including morning urine and venous blood, were collected to measure concentrations of 29 typical organic pollutants, including hydroxy polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OH-PAHs), bisphenol A and its substitutes, phthalates and their metabolites, parabens, and five biomarkers of oxidative stress. Health assessments included blood pressure measurements and lung function indicators. RESULTS: Urinary concentrations of 2-hydroxyphenanthrene (2-OH-PHE) ( β = 4.35% [95% confidence interval ( CI): 0.85%, 7.97%]), 3-hydroxyphenanthrene ( β = 3.44% [95% CI: 0.19%, 6.79%]), and 4-hydroxyphenanthrene (4-OH-PHE) ( β = 5.78% [95% CI: 1.27%, 10.5%]) were significantly and positively associated with systolic blood pressure. Exposures to 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OH-PYR) ( β = 3.05% [95% CI: -4.66%, -1.41%]), 2-OH-PHE ( β = 2.68% [95% CI: -4%, -1.34%]), and 4-OH-PHE ( β = 3% [95% CI: -4.68%, -1.29%]) were negatively associated with the ratio of forced expiratory volume in the first second to forced vital capacity. These findings highlight the adverse effects of exposure to multiple pollutants on cardiopulmonary health. Biomarkers of oxidative stress, including 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine and extracellular superoxide dismutase, mediated the effects of multiple OH-PAHs on blood pressure and lung function. CONCLUSION Exposure to multiple organic pollutants can adversely affect cardiopulmonary health. Oxidative stress is a key mediator of the effects of OH-PAHs on blood pressure and lung function.
Humans ; Oxidative Stress/drug effects* ; Male ; Cross-Over Studies ; Female ; Young Adult ; Environmental Pollutants/toxicity* ; Environmental Exposure/adverse effects* ; Biomarkers/blood* ; Adult ; Blood Pressure/drug effects* ; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons/urine* ; Beijing

Objective To explore the effects of dodecanoylcarnitine(DA)and myristoleic acid(MA)on the function of mouse alveolar epithelial cell line MLE-12 and their underlying mechanisms.Methods An inflammatory model was established by stimulating MLE-12 cells with IL-4.The expression levels of DA,MA,and sphingosine-1-phosphate(S1P)in the cell supernatant were detected by ELISA.MLE-12 cells were separately intervened with DA and MA.RT-PCR and flow cytometry were used to detect the expression changes of inflammatory factors IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS).Additionally,Western blot was performed to detect the expression of key proteins such as p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(p-38 MAPK)and src homology 2 domain-containing phosphatase 1(SHP-1).To explore the role of S1PR2 in the effects of DA and MA,MLE-12 cells were pretreated with the S1PR2 inhibitor JTE-013,and the above experiments were repeated.Results IL-4 stimulation significantly upregulated the levels of DA,MA,and S1P in MLE-12 cells(P<0.05).DA/MA treatment groups exhibited significantly increased expression of IL-6 and TNF-α compared with the control group(P<0.05),along with elevated ROS levels(P<0.05).Western blot analysis revealed that DA/MA promoted SHP-1 dephosphorylation and phosphorylated p38 MAPK activation in MLE-12 cells.Notably,JTE-013 pre-treatment completely reversed these effects(P<0.05).Conclusion Asthma-related metabolites DA and MA exacerbate the inflammatory and oxidative stress responses of MLE-12 cells by activating the S1PR2 receptor,promoting the dephosphorylation of SHP-1 and the activation of the p-p38 MAPK pathway.This study reveals the core regulatory role of S1PR2 in this pathway as well.

Objective:To systematically evaluate studies validating the performance of the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) in diagnosing malnutrition.Methods:Seven Chinese and English databases including Embase, Web of Science (WOS), PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, SinoMed, CNKI, Wanfang Data, and VIP Database were searched for articles on the validation of GLIM criteria published between September 2018 and September 2024. Two researchers independently performed literature screening and data extraction. The concurrent and predictive validity of the criteria was analyzed.Results:A total of 136 papers were included for analysis. The GLIM criteria for diagnosing malnutrition had a sensitivity of 77%, a specificity of 87%, and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.90. Malnutrition diagnosed by the GLIM criteria predicted prolonged hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) stays, increased readmission and complication rates (both overall and infectious), reduced survivals (median, overall, and disease-free), and increased in-hospital and follow-up mortalities. Both moderate and severe malnutrition predicted decreased overall survival. However, only three studies analyzed the impact of nutritional therapy on the clinical outcomes of malnourished patients.Conclusions:The GLIM criteria accurately differentiate malnutrition and are a valid predictive tool of clinical outcomes. However, the validity criteria in these validation studies were questionable, along with high methodological heterogeneity. Furthermore, there is a lack of studies validating the role of nutritional therapy in improving the clinical outcomes of malnourished patients.

Objective:To systematically evaluate studies validating the performance of the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) in diagnosing malnutrition.Methods:Seven Chinese and English databases including Embase, Web of Science (WOS), PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, SinoMed, CNKI, Wanfang Data, and VIP Database were searched for articles on the validation of GLIM criteria published between September 2018 and September 2024. Two researchers independently performed literature screening and data extraction. The concurrent and predictive validity of the criteria was analyzed.Results:A total of 136 papers were included for analysis. The GLIM criteria for diagnosing malnutrition had a sensitivity of 77%, a specificity of 87%, and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.90. Malnutrition diagnosed by the GLIM criteria predicted prolonged hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) stays, increased readmission and complication rates (both overall and infectious), reduced survivals (median, overall, and disease-free), and increased in-hospital and follow-up mortalities. Both moderate and severe malnutrition predicted decreased overall survival. However, only three studies analyzed the impact of nutritional therapy on the clinical outcomes of malnourished patients.Conclusions:The GLIM criteria accurately differentiate malnutrition and are a valid predictive tool of clinical outcomes. However, the validity criteria in these validation studies were questionable, along with high methodological heterogeneity. Furthermore, there is a lack of studies validating the role of nutritional therapy in improving the clinical outcomes of malnourished patients.

Objective To explore the effects of dodecanoylcarnitine(DA)and myristoleic acid(MA)on the function of mouse alveolar epithelial cell line MLE-12 and their underlying mechanisms.Methods An inflammatory model was established by stimulating MLE-12 cells with IL-4.The expression levels of DA,MA,and sphingosine-1-phosphate(S1P)in the cell supernatant were detected by ELISA.MLE-12 cells were separately intervened with DA and MA.RT-PCR and flow cytometry were used to detect the expression changes of inflammatory factors IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS).Additionally,Western blot was performed to detect the expression of key proteins such as p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(p-38 MAPK)and src homology 2 domain-containing phosphatase 1(SHP-1).To explore the role of S1PR2 in the effects of DA and MA,MLE-12 cells were pretreated with the S1PR2 inhibitor JTE-013,and the above experiments were repeated.Results IL-4 stimulation significantly upregulated the levels of DA,MA,and S1P in MLE-12 cells(P<0.05).DA/MA treatment groups exhibited significantly increased expression of IL-6 and TNF-α compared with the control group(P<0.05),along with elevated ROS levels(P<0.05).Western blot analysis revealed that DA/MA promoted SHP-1 dephosphorylation and phosphorylated p38 MAPK activation in MLE-12 cells.Notably,JTE-013 pre-treatment completely reversed these effects(P<0.05).Conclusion Asthma-related metabolites DA and MA exacerbate the inflammatory and oxidative stress responses of MLE-12 cells by activating the S1PR2 receptor,promoting the dephosphorylation of SHP-1 and the activation of the p-p38 MAPK pathway.This study reveals the core regulatory role of S1PR2 in this pathway as well.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease. At present, levodopa and other drugs are mainly used for dopamine supplementation therapy. However, the absorption of levodopa in the gastrointestinal tract is unstable and its half-life is short, and long-term use of levodopa will lead to the end-of-dose deterioration, dyskinesia, the "ON-OFF" phenomenon and other symptoms. Therefore, new preparations need to be developed to improve drug efficacy, reduce side effects or improve compliance of patients. Based on the above clinical needs, this review briefly introduced the preparation modification strategies for the treatment of PD through case analysis, in order to provide references for the research and development of related preparations.

Objective To investigate the correlation between the level of N-terminal pro-Brain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP)and cardiorespiratory fitness following acute exposure to high altitude.Methods Forty-six subjects were recruited from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University in June 2022,including 19 males and 27 females.After completing cardiopulmonary exercise test(CPET),serological detection of myocardial cell-related markers,and multiple metabolites at a plain altitude(300 meters above sea level),all subjects flew to a high-altitude location(3900 meters above sea level).Biomarker testing and CPET were repeated on the second and third days after arrival at high altitude.Changes in serum biomarker and key CPET indicators before and after rapid ascent to high altitude were compared,and the correlation between serum levels of various myocardial cell-related markers and metabolites and high altitude cardiorespiratory fitness was analyzed.Results Compared with the plain altitude,there was a significant decrease in maximal oxygen uptake after rapid ascent to high altitude[(25.41±6.20)ml/(kg.min)vs.(30.17±5.01)ml/(kg.min),P<0.001].Serum levels of NT-proBNP,Epinephrine(E),plasma renin activity(PRA),angiotensin Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ),angiotensin-converting enzyme 2(ACE2)and leptin(LEP)significantly increased,with all differences being statistically significant(P<0.05)after acute high altitude exposure.In contrast,no statistically significant differences were observed for creatine kinase MB(CK-MB),cardiac troponin I(cTnI),myoglobin(Myo)and norepinephrine(NE)(P>0.05).Correlation analysis showed a significant negative correlation between NT-proBNP at plain altitude(r=-0.768,P<0.001)and at high altitude(r=-0.791,P<0.001)with maximal oxygen uptake at high altitude.Multivariate linear regression analysis indicated that maximal oxygen uptake at plain altitude(t=2.069,P=0.045),NT-proBNP at plain altitude(t=-2.436,P=0.020)and at high altitude(t=-3.578,P=0.001)were independent influencing factors of cardiorespiratory fitness at high altitude.Conclusion Cardiorespiratory fitness significantly decreases after rapid ascent to high altitude,and the baseline NT-proBNP level at plain altitude is closely related to cardiorespiratory fitness at high altitude,making it a potential predictor indicator for high altitude cardiorespiratory fitness.

The study was aimed to assess the impact of Brucea javanica oil emulsion(BJOE)on the responsiveness of programmed death receptor-1(PD-1)monoclonal antibody to lung adenocarcinoma in mice.The experimental approach involved subcutaneously inoculating Lewis's lung adenocarcinoma(LLC)cells into C57BL/6 mice,which were then divided into four groups:model group,25 ml·kg-1 BJOE group,10 mg·kg-1 PD-1 group,and combination group(25 ml·kg-1 BJOE and 10 mg·kg-1 PD-1).Tumor volume,mass,and inhibition rate were evaluated;the apoptosis within tumor tissue was detected by TUNEL staining;CD4+and CD8+T cell proportions within tumor tissues were analyzed by flow cytometry;the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interferon-γ(IFN-γ)and granzyme B in tumor tissue were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Additionally,LLC cells were categorized into a control group and three BJOE treatment groups(10,30,50 μl·ml-1),and programmed death ligand 1(PD-L1)expression in tumor tissues and LLC cells were assessed by Western blotting.Data showed that as compared with the model group,PD-1 monoclonal antibody alone did not significantly alter tumor volume,tumor mass,CD4+and CD8+T cell proportions,cytokine levels(IFN-γ,TNF-α,Granzyme B),or apoptosis in lung cancer-bearing mice.However,BJOE treatment reduced tumor volume and mass,enhanced CD4+and CD8+T cell proportions,increased cytokine levels,and augmented apoptosis(all P<0.05).Furthermore,the combination therapy of BJOE and PD-1 monoclonal antibody yielded significantly greater reductions in tumor volume and mass,with heightened CD4+and CD8+T cell proportions,cytokine levels,and apoptosis compared to either treatment alone(all P<0.05).Both BJOE treatment and the combination therapy significantly upregulated PD-L1 protein expression in tumor tissues compared to the model or PD-1 monoclonal antibody groups(P<0.05).Similarly,BJOE treatment at all tested concentrations significantly increased PD-L1 protein expression in LLC cells as compared to the control group(P<0.05).In conclusion,BJOE could upregulate PD-L1 expression in LLC cells and enhance the sensitivity of lung adenocarcinoma-bearing mice to PD-1 monoclonal antibodies.