Bisphenol A (BPA) is a kind of exogenous chemicals presenting in the human living environment widely which affects the action of endocrine hormones in the human body. Numerous studies have shown that BPA has reproductive toxicity in the spermatogenic function damage of the testes through a variety of mechanisms such as interfering with endocrine function, inducing oxidative stress, promoting spermatogonial cell apoptosis, destroying the integrity of the blood-testis barrier, and regulating epigenetic inheritance, thereby destroying male fertility. Relevant studies have shown that TCM can improve male fertility by reversing BPA-induced reproductive damage through multi-component, multi-target and multi-mechanisms. However, there is no systematic review on the mechanism of TCM to reduce the reproductive toxicity of BPA. Based on the existing studies, this article will systematically introduce the mechanisms of BPA-induced reproductive impairment in men and the progress of TCM interventions, with a view to providing reference targets and research directions for the development of new Chinese medicines.
Humans ; Benzhydryl Compounds/adverse effects* ; Male ; Phenols/adverse effects* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Infertility, Male/chemically induced* ; Testis/drug effects* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Bisphenol A Compounds

Prostate cancer is one of the most common tumor, with the disease progressing from inert to aggressive tumors, and rapidly progressing to castration-resistant prostate cancer. Early-stage prostate cancer is usually asymptomatic. And by the time that symptoms appear, the disease has progressed to an incurable stage. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment is especially important to control prostate cancer, which prolongs the survival period of patients. Digital rectal examination and prostate-specific antigen have been widely used in the diagnosis of prostate cancer. However, there are certain limitations that lead to overdiagnosis and overtreatment. Although prostate needle biopsy is still the gold standard for diagnosing prostate cancer, with the wide application of multiparametric magnetic resonance examination and PSMA-PET/CT and other technologies in recent years, as well as the emergence of new biomarkers with higher sensitivity and specificity, its status as the gold standard has been challenged. And the diagnostic mode of prostate cancer has also undergone great changes. On this basis, the radical prostatectomy without prostate needle biopsy has been attempted clinically to treat prostate cancer, which gains the good clinical results. This article provides a review of the latest research advances in early screening and diagnostic models for prostate cancer.
Humans ; Male ; Benzhydryl Compounds/adverse effects* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Infertility, Male/chemically induced* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Phenols/adverse effects* ; Testis/drug effects* ; Bisphenol A Compounds

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) currently lacks effective treatments to halt disease progression, making the search for preventive and therapeutic drugs a pressing issue. Natural products, with their accessibility, affordability, and low toxicity, offer promising avenues. Investigating the pharmacological effects and related signaling mechanisms of active components from natural products on COPD animal models induced by various triggers has become an important focus. In animal models induced by cigarette smoke, cigarette smoke combined with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), air pollution, elastase, bacterial or viral infections, the active compounds of natural products, such as flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolics, can exert anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, mucus-regulating, and airway remodeling-inhibiting effects through key signaling pathways including nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). These findings not only provide a theoretical basis for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of COPD but also point to new directions for future scientific research.
Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/etiology* ; Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Biological Products/pharmacology* ; Humans ; NF-kappa B/metabolism* ; Flavonoids/pharmacology* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology* ; Heme Oxygenase-1/metabolism* ; Terpenes/pharmacology* ; Antioxidants/pharmacology* ; NF-E2-Related Factor 2/metabolism* ; Smoke/adverse effects* ; Phenols/therapeutic use*

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of honokiol (HKL) for reducing doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity in H9c2 cells and the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: H9c2 cells were divided into control group, DOX group, HKL + DOX group, and HKL+compound C+DOX group. After 24 h of corresponding treatment, the cells were examined for morphological changes and cell viability using CCK-8 assay. The mRNA expressions of the inflammatory factors including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were detected by RT-PCR, and the protein levels of cleaved caspase-3, cytochrome c, NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), caspase-1, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), p-AMPK and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) were detected with Western blotting; the expressions of NLRP3 and p-AMPK also detected with immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS: DOX treatment caused swelling and significantly lowered the viability of H9c2 cells (P < 0.05), resulting also in increased mRNA expressions of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β (P < 0.05) and protein expressions of cleaved caspase-3, cytochrome c, NLRP3, caspase-1 and ASC (P < 0.05) but reduced protein levels of p-AMPK and Nrf2 (P < 0.05); fluorescence staining showed significantly increased NLRP3 expression and decreased expression of p-AMPK in DOX-treated cells (P < 0.05). All these changes in COX-treated cells were significantly alleviated by HKL treatment (P < 0.05). The application of compound C obviously mitigated the protective effects of HKL against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity in H9c2 cells. CONCLUSIONS HKL can alleviate DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by inhibiting pyroptosis in H9c2 cells, and this effect is mediated by activation of AMPK to regulate Nrf2 signaling.
AMP-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism* ; Allyl Compounds ; Biphenyl Compounds ; Cardiotoxicity/pathology* ; Caspase 3/metabolism* ; Cytochromes c ; Doxorubicin/adverse effects* ; Humans ; Interleukin-6/metabolism* ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; NF-E2-Related Factor 2/metabolism* ; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/metabolism* ; Phenols ; Pyroptosis ; RNA, Messenger/metabolism* ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism*

BACKGROUND: The industrial revolution has resulted in increased synthesis and the introduction of a variety of compounds into the environment and their potentially hazardous effects have been observed in the biota. The present study was aimed to evaluate the potential endocrine-disrupting effects of chronic exposure to the low concentrations of bisphenol S (BPS) in male rats. METHODS: Weaning male Sprague-Dawley rats (22 days old) were either exposed to water containing 0.1% ethanol for control or different concentrations of BPS (0.5, 5, and 50 μg/L) in drinking water for 48 weeks in the chronic exposure study. After completion of the experimental period, animals were dissected and different parameters (hormone concentrations, histology of testis and epididymis, oxidative stress and level of antioxidant enzymes in the testis, daily sperm production (DSP), and sperm parameters) were determined. RESULTS: Results of the present study showed a significant alteration in the gonadosomatic index (GSI) and relative reproductive organ weights. Oxidative stress in the testis was significantly elevated while sperm motility, daily sperm production, and the number of sperm in epididymis were reduced. Plasma testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations were reduced and estradiol levels were high in the 50 μg/L-exposed group. Histological observations involved a significant reduction in the epithelial height of the testis along with disrupted spermatogenesis, an empty lumen of the seminiferous tubules, and the caput region of the epididymis. CONCLUSION These results suggest that exposure to 5 and 50 μg/L of BPS for the chronic duration started from an early age can induce structural changes in testicular tissue architecture and endocrine alterations in the male reproductive system which may lead to infertility in males.
Animals ; Biomarkers ; Endocrine Disruptors/toxicity* ; Environmental Exposure/adverse effects* ; Environmental Pollutants/toxicity* ; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System/physiopathology* ; Infertility, Male/physiopathology* ; Male ; Phenols/toxicity* ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Sulfones/toxicity* ; Testis/physiopathology* ; Toxicity Tests, Chronic

Objective: To explore the relationship between male sexual function and daily exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) at a reproductive center in Taiyuan. Methods: Male patients who were seeking treatment of infertility due to problems caused by either of the spouse were selected from the Shanxi reproductive center between September 2014 and April 2015. Information on general characteristics, sexual function and fasting venous blood samples were collected. Total scores of sexual function were evaluated by Delphi expert scoring method. Levels of serum BPA were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Data was analyzed by Spearman rank correlation, rank sum test, multivariate logistic regression analysis and χ(2) trend test. Relationship between BPA and sexual function was presented as OR and corresponding 95%CI. Results: Among the 353 participants, 45.0% was defined as sexual dysfunction with low sexual desire (47.3%) as the major reason. BPA was detected in all the 353 patients, with a range of concentration as 0.38-21.93 ng/ml and an average as 5.79 ng/ml. Results from the Spearman rank correlation analysis revealed significant negative correlations between serum BPA and sexual function, sexual desire, erectile ability and ejaculation intensity, while serum BPA was positively correlated with premature ejaculation. According to the four percentile of BPA concentration (ng/ml), the subjects were divided into four groups. Compared with the low concentration group (0.38-3.79 ng/ml), the risk of sexual dysfunction significantly increased in the groups with higher BPA levels. Particularly, in the highest BPA group (8.68-21.93 ng/ml), more obvious effects were seen on sexual dysfunction (OR=1.55, 95%CI:1.00-3.23), reduced sexual desire (OR=4.75, 95%CI: 2.44-9.22), reduced erection ability (OR=2.40, 95%CI: 1.18-4.88), reduced ejaculation intensity (OR=2.53, 95%CI: 1.25-5.16) and premature ejaculation (OR=1.95, 95%CI: 1.02-3.72). Conclusion: Low sexual desire appeared as the main type of male sexual dysfunction, the exposure to higher levels of BPA in daily life might lead to male sexual dysfunction.
Benzhydryl Compounds/toxicity* ; Ejaculation/drug effects* ; Environmental Exposure/adverse effects* ; Erectile Dysfunction/chemically induced* ; Humans ; Male ; Occupational Exposure/adverse effects* ; Phenols/toxicity*

OBJECTIVEThe current study was designed to evaluate the various antioxidant potentials and inhibitory effects of phenolic-rich leaf extracts of Bridelia ferruginea (BF) on the in vitro activities of some key enzymes involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates.

METHODSIn this study, BF leaf free and bound phenolic-rich extracts were used. We quantified total phenolic and flavonoid contents, and evaluated several antioxidant activities using assays for ferric reducing antioxidant power, total antioxidant activity (phosphomolybdenum reducing ability), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and thiobarbituric acid reactive species. Also, extracts were tested for their ability to inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity.

RESULTSThe total phenolic and total flavonoid contents in the free phenolic extract of BF were significantly greater than in the bound phenolic extract. Also, all the antioxidant activities considered were significantly greater in the free phenolic extract than in the bound phenolic extract. In the same vein, the free phenolic-rich extract had a significantly higher percentage inhibition against α-glucosidase activity (IC = 28.5 µg/mL) than the bound phenolic extract (IC = 340.0 µg/mL). On the contrary, the free phenolic extract (IC = 210.0 µg/mL) had significantly lower inhibition against α-amylase than the bound phenolic-rich extract (IC = 190.0 µg/mL).

CONCLUSIONThe phenolic-rich extracts of BF leaves showed antioxidant potentials and inhibited two key carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes in vitro.

Animals ; Antioxidants ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; enzymology ; metabolism ; Enzyme Inhibitors ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Glycoside Hydrolase Inhibitors ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Iron ; adverse effects ; Magnoliopsida ; chemistry ; Oxidative Stress ; drug effects ; Pancreas ; drug effects ; enzymology ; metabolism ; Phenols ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Plant Extracts ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Swine ; alpha-Amylases ; antagonists & inhibitors ; chemistry ; alpha-Glucosidases ; chemistry

Rats were exposed to 1 or 10 μg/mL bisphenol A (BPA) in water during pregnancy and lactation. Offspring rats were given normal water and a standard diet from weaning to postnatal day (PND) 50. Perinatal exposure to BPA resulted in significantly increased body weight, visceral adipose tissue, abnormal serum lipids, and lower adiponectin (ADP) levels in both female and male offspring rats. Liver adipose triglyceride lipase (Atgl) mRNA levels and ADP protein in visceral adipose tissue were significantly decreased in BPA-exposed offspring rats. In both female or male offspring rats, obesity and dyslipidemia induced by perinatal exposure to BPA were associated with down regulation of Atgl mRNA in liver and ADP protein in visceral adipose tissue.
Adiponectin ; metabolism ; Adipose Tissue ; metabolism ; Animals ; Benzhydryl Compounds ; adverse effects ; metabolism ; Body Weight ; Dyslipidemias ; enzymology ; etiology ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Female ; Humans ; Lipase ; genetics ; metabolism ; Lipids ; blood ; Male ; Obesity ; enzymology ; etiology ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Phenols ; adverse effects ; metabolism ; Pregnancy ; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects ; enzymology ; etiology ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Animals ; Benzhydryl Compounds ; toxicity ; Biomarkers ; analysis ; blood ; Breast Neoplasms ; chemically induced ; Drug Synergism ; Endocrine Disruptors ; toxicity ; Estrone ; metabolism ; Genistein ; adverse effects ; Hydroxyestrones ; analysis ; Male ; Microsomes, Liver ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Oxidation-Reduction ; Phenols ; toxicity ; Rats, Wistar

OBJECTIVETo observe the clinical effects of early blood purification in the treatment of phenol burn patients complicated by acute kidney injury (AKI).

METHODSFive phenol burn patients complicated by AKI, matched with the inclusion criteria, were hospitalized from January 2010 to July 2014. Within post injury hour 24, patients received rapid liquid support, positive wound management, and hemoperfusion (HP) combined with continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH) for 2 to 3 hours, then HP was stopped and CVVH was continued for 16 to 21 hours. HP combined with CVVH was performed for 2 to 3 times, then HP was stopped and CVVH was continued for 12 to 22 days. On post injury day (PID) 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, and 21, urea nitrogen, creatinine, ALT, AST, total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DBIL) in serum were determined, and the volume of liquid intake, urine, ultrafiltration, and liquid output were recorded, and the concentrations of IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α in serum were determined by ELISA. General conditions of patients were recorded. Data were processed with one-way analysis of variance and LSD- t test.

RESULTS(1) On PID 1, the levels of urea nitrogen and creatinine were (9.0 ± 3.2) mmol/L and (115 ± 24) µmol/L respectively, which were obviously higher than normal values (with the values of 2.9-8.2 mmol/L and 45-104 µmol/L respectively). On PID 3, 5, 7 and 21, the levels of urea nitrogen were (12.5 ± 4.1), (11.2 ± 5.6), (8.7 ± 2.3) and (6.4 ± 3.9) mmol/L respectively, which were similar with the value of DID 1 (with t values 1.53, 0.76, 0.17 and 1.17 respectively, P values above 0.05). On PID 14, the level of urea nitrogen was (15.8 ± 3.3) mmol/L, which was obviously higher than the value of PID 1 (t =3 .29, P = 0.023). On PID 3, 5, 7 and 14, the levels of creatinine were (248 ± 67), (224 ± 87), (276 ± 59) and (307 ± 77) µmol/L respectively, which were obviously higher than the value of PID 1 (with t values 4.17, 2.70, 5.65 and 5.32 respectively, P values below 0.01). On PID 21, the level of creatinine was (78 ± 28) µmol/L, which was obviously lower than the value of PID 1 (t = 2.23, P = 0.041). The levels of ALT, AST, TBIL, and DBIL were higher than normal values from PID 1, and the levels were higher than normal values on PID 3, 5, 7, and 14, and they were similar with the normal values on PID 21. (2) On PID 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, and 21, the volume ratio of liquid intake to liquid output maintained from1:1 to 2:1. On PID 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14, although the volume of urine fluctuated, they were still less than 400 mL/d, and the volume for ultrafiltration showed a tendency from declining at first to a rise later. On PID 21, the volume of urine increased, and the volume for ultrafiltration decreased. (3) On PID 1, the serum concentrations of TNF-α and IL-6 increased, and the serum concentration of IL-10 decreased. On PID 3, 5, and 7, the serum concentrations of TNF-α and IL-6 decreased, and the serum concentration of IL-10 increased. On PID 14, the serum concentrations of TNF-α and IL-6 were elevated again but without a high peak value, and the serum concentration of IL-10 decreased but still higher than the value of PID 1. On PID 21, the serum concentrations of TNF-α and IL-6 obviously decreased, and the serum concentration of IL-10 obviously elevated. (4) Primary healing of the wound was achieved on PID 21 to 28. Patients were all cured and left hospital on PID 28 to 45. All the patients were followed up for 6 months to 3 years. At the last follow up, patients had no symptoms of chronic poisoning and the functions of liver and kidney were normal.

CONCLUSIONSEarly blood purification treatment is effective for phenol patients phenol burn patients complicated by AKI, and wound healing and kidney function recovery were assured.

Acute Kidney Injury ; complications ; therapy ; Biomarkers ; blood ; Burns, Chemical ; blood ; complications ; therapy ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Hemofiltration ; Humans ; Interleukin-10 ; metabolism ; Interleukin-6 ; blood ; Phenol ; adverse effects ; Phenols ; Serum ; metabolism ; Severity of Illness Index ; Treatment Outcome ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; blood ; Wound Healing