Natural antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising candidates for the development of a new generation of antimicrobials to combat antibiotic-resistant pathogens. They have found extensive applications in the fields of medicine, food, and agriculture. However, efficiently screening AMPs from natural sources poses several challenges, including low efficiency and high antibiotic resistance. This review focuses on the action mechanisms of AMPs, both through membrane and non-membrane routes. We thoroughly examine various highly efficient AMP screening methods, including whole-bacterial adsorption binding, cell membrane chromatography (CMC), phospholipid membrane chromatography binding, membrane-mediated capillary electrophoresis (CE), colorimetric assays, thin layer chromatography (TLC), fluorescence-based screening, genetic sequencing-based analysis, computational mining of AMP databases, and virtual screening methods. Additionally, we discuss potential developmental applications for enhancing the efficiency of AMP discovery. This review provides a comprehensive framework for identifying AMPs within complex natural product systems.

Objective:To explore the possible anti-atherosclerotic mechanisms of glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor canagliflozin.Methods:ApoE -/-mice fed on Western diet were randomly assigned into the model group ( n=10) and the canagliflozin group ( n=10). C57BL/6J mice fed on normal diet were chosen as the control group ( n=10). Mice in the canagliflozin group were gavaged with canagliflozin for 14 weeks. The presence and severity of atherosclerosis were evaluated with HE and oil red O stainings in aortic root section slices. PCR assay was performed to determine the mRNA expression levels of nitric oxide synthase. Hepatic transcriptome analysis and hepatic amino acid detection were conducted using RNA-seq and targeted LC-MS, respectively. Results:HE staining and oil red O staining of the aortic root showed that AS models were successfully established in ApoE -/-mice fed on Western diet for 14 weeks. Canagliflozin alleviated the severity of atherosclerosis in pathology. Hepatic transcriptome analysis indicated that canagliflozin impacted on amino acid metabolism, especially arginine synthesis in ApoE -/-mice. Targeted metabolomics analysis of amino acids showed that canagliflozin reduced hepatic levels of L-serine, L-aspartic acid, tyrosine, L-hydroxyproline, and L-citrulline, but raised the hepatic level of L-arginine. Compared to the model group, the canagliflozin group exhibited higher serum arginine and nitric oxide levels as well as elevated nitric oxide mRNA expression in aortic tissues ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Canagliflozin regulated the amino acid metabolism, reduced the levels of glucogenic amino acids,and promoted the synthesis of arginine in atherosclerotic mice.

Objective:To explore the effects of canagliflozin on cardiac function and its regulation of ferroptosis in rats with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).Methods:Thirty-two 7-week-old Dahl salt-sensitive rats were selected and randomly divided into four groups: the control group (fed with low-salt diet), the HFpEF group (fed with high-salt diet), the canagliflozin 20 group (fed with high-salt diet and 20 mg·kg -1·d -1 canagliflozin), and the canagliflozin 30 group (fed with high-salt diet and 30 mg·kg -1·day -1 canagliflozin). Body weight and blood pressure of the rats in each group were monitored. Metabolic cage tests were conducted at the10 th week of the experiment, and echocardiography was performed at the 12 th week, after which the rats were killed. Blood and left ventricular samples were collected. HE staining, Masson staining, Prussian blue iron staining, and reactive oxygen species staining were performed to observe the cardiomyocyte size and shape, degree of interstitial fibrosis, iron staining, reactive oxygen species production under optical microscope. The ultrastructure of cardiomyocytes was observed under electron microscope. Western blotting and real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were used to detect the expression levels of proteins and mRNA related to ferroptosis in left ventricular myocardial tissue of rats in each group. Results:After 1 week of adaptive feeding, all rats survived. Metabolic cage results showed that compared with control group, rats in the HFpEF group, canagliflozin 20 group and canagliflozin 30 group had more food intake, water intake and urine output, and lower body weight (all P<0.05). These changes were more pronounced in canagliflozin 20 group and canagliflozin 30 group than in HFPEF group, and only the body weight at the 12 th week showed a statistically significant difference between canagliflozin 20 group and canagliflozin 30 group ( P<0.05). The blood pressure of 6 th week and 12 th week, heart weight and left ventricular corrected mass of 12 th week of rats in HFpEF group were higher than those in control group, canagliflozin 20 group and canagliflozin 30 group, while the ratio of early mitral valve peak velocity to late mitral valve peak velocity of 12 th week was lower (all P<0.05). HE and Masson staining showed that compared to control group, the myocardial fibers in the left ventricular myocardial tissue of rats in HFpEF group were disordered, with larger cell diameter ((0.032±0.004) mm vs. (0.023±0.003) mm, P<0.05), irregular shape, obvious proliferation of interstitial collagen fibers, and higher collagen volume fraction (0.168±0.028 vs. 0.118±0.013, P<0.05). Compared with HFpEF group, rats in the canagliflozin 20 group and canagliflozin 30 had more orderly arranged myocardial fibers, more regular cardiomyocyte shape, smaller cell diameter, and lower collagen volume fraction ( P<0.05). It was observed under electron microscopy that, compared to control group, most of the striated muscles in myocardial tissue of HFpEF group were broken, and the Z line and M line could not be clearly distinguished, some changes such as mitochondrial swelling, membrane thickening, cristae reduction or even disappearance occurred. In the canagliflozin 20 group and canagliflozin 30 group, the arrangement of striated muscles in the myocardial tissue of rats tended to be more regular, and the morphological changes of mitochondria were milder. Prussian blue iron staining results showed that the iron content in myocardial tissue of rats in HFpEF group was higher than that in control group, canagliflozin 20 group and canagliflozin 30 group. Reactive oxygen species staining results showed that the reactive oxygen species content in the myocardial tissue of rats in HFpEF group was higher than that of control group, canagliflozin 20 group and canagliflozin 30 group. Biochemical analysis of myocardial tissue showed that Fe 2+ and malondialdehyde content in myocardial tissue of rats in HFpEF group were higher than those in control group, canagliflozin 20 group and canagliflozin 30 group, while glutathione content was lower (all P<0.05). Western blot and RT-qPCR detection results showed that compared to control group, rats in HFpEF group had higher expression levels of transferrin receptor 1 (protein relative expression level: 1.37±0.16 vs. 0.31±0.12), acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (protein relative expression level: 1.31±0.15 vs. 0.63±0.09) protein and mRNA, and lower expression levels of ferritin heavy chain 1 (protein relative expression level: 0.45±0.08 vs. 1.41±0.15) protein and mRNA (all P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in these indicators between canagliflozin 20 group and the canagliflozin 30 group (all P>0.05). There was no significant difference in levels of glutathione peroxidase 4 protein and mRNA expression in myocardial tissue of rats in four groups( P>0.05). Conclusion:Canagliflozin improves cardiac function in HFpEF rats by regulating the ferroptosis mechanism.

Objective:To discuss the differences in serum proline dehydrogenase(ProDH)levels among chronic heart failure(CHF)patients with different ejection fraction types,and to clarify the effect of ProDH levels on cardiac function.Methods:A retrospective analysis of clinical data of 118 CHF patients was conducted.These patients were divided into heart failure with reduced ejection fraction(HFrEF)group(n=39),heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction group(HFmrEF)(n=42),and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction(HFpEF)group(n=37).A total of 45 non-CHF patients hospitalized during the same period were collected as control group.The general data of all the subjects in various groups were collected,and the levels of biochemical indicators and cardiac structure indicators in serum of all the subjects were detected.Spearman correlation analysis and point-biserial correlation analysis were used to analyze the correlation between serum ProDH levels and various biochemical indicators;multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the factors influencing HFrEF and HFmrEF.Results:Compared with control group,the usage rate of beta-blockers of the patients in HFpEF group was significantly increased(P<0.05);in HFmrEF group,the percentage of male patients,the usage rate of statins,and the usage rate of beta-blockers were all significantly increased(P<0.05);in HFrEF group,the age and systolic blood pressure(SBP)of the patients were significantly decreased(P<0.05),while the usage rates of statins and beta-blockers of the patients were significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with HFpEF group,the age of the patients in HFmrEF group was significantly decreased(P<0.05),and the percentage of male patients and the usage rate of statins were significantly increased(P<0.05);the age of the patients in the HFrEF group was significantly decreased(P<0.05),and the usage rate of statins was significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with HFmrEF group,the SBP of the patients in HFrEF group was significantly decreased(P<0.05).Compared with control group,the serum levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-c)of the patients in HFpEF and HFmrEF groups were significantly decreased(P<0.05),while the levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP)were significantly increased(P<0.05);the serum levels of glomerular filtration rate(GFR)and ProDH of the patients in HFrEF group were significantly decreased(P<0.05),and the levels of fasting blood glucose(FBG)and NT-proBNP were significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with HFpEF group,the serum hemoglobin(Hb)level of the patients in HFmrEF group was significantly increased(P<0.05);the serum NT-proBNP level of the patients in HFrEF group was significantly increased(P<0.05),while the ProDH level was significantly decreased(P<0.05).Compared with HFmrEF group,the serum NT-proBNP level of the patients in HFrEF group was significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with control group,the left atrial diameter(LAD)and the ratio of early diastolic mitral inflow velocity to early diastolic mitral annular velocity(E/Em)of the patients in HFpEF,HFmrEF,and HFrEF groups were significantly increased(P<0.05);the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter(LVEDD)of the patients in HFmrEF and HFrEF groups were significantly increased(P<0.05),and the left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)were significantly decreased(P<0.05).Compared with HFpEF group,the LVEDD of the patients in HFmrEF and HFrEF groups were significantly increased(P<0.05),and the LVEF were significantly decreased(P<0.05);the LAD of the patients In HFrEF group was significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with HFmrEF group,the E/Em ratio of the patients in HFrEF group was significantly increased(P<0.05),and the LVEF was significantly decreased(P<0.05).The serum ProDH levels of the patients were negatively correlated with LVEDD(r=-0.210,P=0.007)and positively correlated with LVEF(r=0.220,P=0.005).Male and elevated FBG levels were the risk factors for cardiac function,while the increasing serum GFR and ProDH levels were the protective factors for cardiac function.Conclusion:There are differences in ProDH levels among the CHF patients with different ejection fraction types.The patients with poorer cardiac function have lower serum ProDH levels,and higher ProDH levels may be beneficial for improving the left ventricular systolic function in the CHF patients.

Methods:Cultured human alveolar epithelial A549 cells were assigned into LPS group and blank control group. LPS group was stimulated with LPS and adenosine triphosphate to induce pyroptosis and inflammation. A549 cells were divided into 4 groups: miR-20a mimics group, mimics-negative control (NC) group, inhibitor group and inhibitor-NC group. MiRNA-20a mimics, mimics-NC, inhibitor, and inhibitor-NC were transfected respectively into A549 cells, and after 24 h, the cells were collected to verify transfection efficiency by qPCR. MiRNA-20a mimics and the constructed TLR4-3'UTR double luciferase reporter plasmid were co-transfected into A549 cells, and luciferase activity was analyzed. MiRNA-20a mimics/inhibitors were transfected into A549 cells, and then the cells were stimulated by LPS for 8 h followed by adenosine triphosphate for 30 min. QPCR, Western Blot and ELISA were used to detect the expression of GSDMD, inflammatory factors (ASC, NLRP3, Caspase-1, IL-1β) and Signaling molecules (TLR4、NF-κB) in A549 cells at mRNA level and protein level. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of TLR4 in the A549 cells and NF-κB in the nucleus of A549 cells after transfecting with miRNA-20a mimics/inhibitor.Results:The mRNA and protein expression of pyroptosis marker molecule (GSDMD) and inflammatory factors (ASC, NLRP3, Caspase-1, IL-1β) in A549 cells stimulated with LPS were significantly higher than those in the blank control group, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). The expression of miRNA-20 in the mimics group was significantly higher than that in the mimic-NC group ( P<0.05), while the expression of miRNA-20a in the inhibitor group was lower than that in the inhibitor-NC group ( P<0.01). The double luciferase reporter gene experiment showed that the relative fluorescence value of the co-transfection group for TLR4-3'UTR-WT and miRNA-20a mimics was significantly lower than the co-transfection group for TLR4-3'UTR-WT and miRNA-20a mimics-NC ( P<0.05). The mRNA and protein levels of pyroptosis marker molecule (GSDMD) , inflammatory factors (ASC, NLRP3, Caspase-1, IL-1β) and signaling molecules (TLR4, NF-κB) were decreased in the mimics group compared to the mimics-NC group, and increased in inhibitor group compared to inhibitor-NC group. Conclusions:miRNA-20a may inhibit LPS-induced pyroptosis and inflammation of A549 cells via TLR4/NF-κB signal pathway.Objetive:To explore the potential role of miRNA-20a in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced pyroptosis and inflamation of human alveolar epithelial A549 cells and its regulation mechanisim.

The immune checkpoint blockade therapy has profoundly revolutionized the field of cancer immunotherapy. However, despite great promise for a variety of cancers, the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors is still low in colorectal cancer (CRC). This is mainly due to the immunosuppressive feature of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Emerging evidence reveals that certain chemotherapeutic drugs induce immunogenic cell death (ICD), demonstrating great potential for remodeling the immunosuppressive TME. In this study, the potential of ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3) as an ICD inducer against CRC cells was confirmed using in vitro and in vivo experimental approaches. The ICD efficacy of Rg3 could be significantly enhanced by quercetin (QTN) that elicited reactive oxygen species (ROS). To ameliorate in vivo delivery barriers associated with chemotherapeutic drugs, a folate (FA)-targeted polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified amphiphilic cyclodextrin nanoparticle (NP) was developed for co-encapsulation of Rg3 and QTN. The resultant nanoformulation (CD-PEG-FA.Rg3.QTN) significantly prolonged blood circulation and enhanced tumor targeting in an orthotopic CRC mouse model, resulting in the conversion of immunosuppressive TME. Furthermore, the CD-PEG-FA.Rg3.QTN achieved significantly longer survival of animals in combination with Anti-PD-L1. The study provides a promising strategy for the treatment of CRC.

Dyslipidemia is an important risk factor of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Statins delay the occurrence and development of ASCVD, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events and death. Due to safety concerns, there exist insufficient use of lipid-lowering agents and a high withdrawal rate of the agents in the elderly. To promote the prevention and treatment of ASCVD, this expert consensus is issued and focuses on the management of dyslipidemia of Chinese elderly basing on the clinical evidence of the use of lipid-lowering drugs by the elderly, and the lipid management guidelines and expert consensus recommendations at home and abroad.

【Objective】 To investigate the early clinical efficacy of full endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion in the treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases with lumbar instability. 【Methods】 We made a retrospective analysis of 22 cases of lumbar degenerative diseases with lumbar instability treated by full endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion in Department of Orthopedics， Tangdu Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University from January 2019 to June 2020. The operation time， intraoperative bleeding volume， and hospital stay were recorded. The Visual Analogue Scale （VAS） for lower back pain and leg pain and Oswestry disability index （ODI） were compared before operation， 1 week， 1 month， 3 months， 6 months and at the last follow-up after operation. Modified MacNab was used to evaluate the clinical efficacy at the last follow-up. 【Results】 Operations on the 22 patients were all completed successfully. The average operation time was （206.59±5.69） min （with the range of 180-240 min）； the average volume of intraoperative bleeding was （92.73±22.29） mL （with the range of 50-120 mL）； the average hospitalization time was （8.82±1.53） d （with the range of 7-13 d）. All the patients were followed up for an average of （10.95±3.34） months （with the range of 6-18 months）. The VAS score and ODI at each time point after surgery were significantly decreased compared with those before operation （P<0.05）. The modified MacNab used to evaluate the clinical efficacy at the last follow-up showed that the total excellent and good rate was 90.91%， including 17 cases of excellence， 3 cases of good， and 2 cases of fair. 【Conclusion】 The early clinical effect of full endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion in the treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases with lumbar instability is satisfactory.

A new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has been identified as the etiologic agent for the COVID-19 outbreak. Currently, effective treatment options remain very limited for this disease; therefore, there is an urgent need to identify new anti-COVID-19 agents. In this study, we screened over 6,000 compounds that included approved drugs, drug candidates in clinical trials, and pharmacologically active compounds to identify leads that target the SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease (PLpro). Together with main protease (M
Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use* ; Binding Sites ; COVID-19/virology* ; Coronavirus Papain-Like Proteases/metabolism* ; Crystallography, X-Ray ; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical ; Drug Repositioning ; High-Throughput Screening Assays/methods* ; Humans ; Imidazoles/therapeutic use* ; Inhibitory Concentration 50 ; Molecular Dynamics Simulation ; Mutagenesis, Site-Directed ; Naphthoquinones/therapeutic use* ; Protease Inhibitors/therapeutic use* ; Protein Structure, Tertiary ; Recombinant Proteins/isolation & purification* ; SARS-CoV-2/isolation & purification*

Objective:To investigate the correlation between lipoprotein(a)[Lp(a)]levels and parameters for left ventricular structure in elderly hypertensive patients.Methods:A total of 65 patients aged ≥65 years diagnosed with essential hypertension were enrolled in this retrospective analysis.Left atrial diameter dilation(LAD)was measured to evaluate the degree of cardiac involvement.According to the existence of LAD, patients were divided into the negative group(n=43)and the positive group(n=22). The differences in levels of blood lipids including Lp(a)and LAD as well as other echocardiographic indexes between the two groups were compared, and their correlations were analyzed.Results:Compared with the negative group, the duration of hypertension, LAD, and Lp(a)level increased in the positive group( P<0.05). LAD was correlated with age, duration of hypertension, left ventricular end diastolic diameter and Lp(a)level.The Lp(a)level was correlated with age and LAD( P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that duration of hypertension( OR=1.060, 95% CI: 1.008-1.116)and Lp(a)level( OR=6.394, 95% CI: 1.038-39.396)were independent risk factors for LAD.The area under the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve of Lp(a)for LAD was 0.665(0.524, 0.806). Conclusions:Laboratory testing for serum lipoprotein(a) levels will help assess the degree of cardiac involvement in patients with hypertension and has practical value for the risk assessment of cardiac remodeling in elderly hypertensive patients.