Objective To investigate the effect of neohesperidin(NHP)on the Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3)signaling pathway in lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced macrophage inflammation model.Methods RAW264.7 cells were divided into five groups:Control group,model group,experimental-L group,experimental-H group and MCC950 group.The control group was cultured normally,while the other groups were stimulated with 100 ng·mL-1 of LPS to induce the macrophage inflammation model.The experimental-L,-H groups were treated with 100 and 400 μmol·L-1 of NHP,respectively,while the MCC950 group was treated with 30 μmol·L-1 of the NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950.All interventions lasted for 24 hours.After the intervention,quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1β),TLR4 and NLRP3 in RAW264.7 cells.Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression levels of TLR4 and NLRP3 in RAW264.7 cells.Results The mRNA expression levels of IL-1β in the control,model,experimental-L,experimental-H and MCC950 groups were 1.00±0.08,6.45±1.19,3.87±0.55,1.96±0.32 and 3.26±0.16,respectively;the mRNA expression levels of TLR4 were 1.00±0.13,2.69±0.35,1.92±0.22,1.32±0.23 and 3.38±0.33,respectively;the mRNA expression levels of NLRP3 were 1.00±0.14,1.28±0.19,0.83±0.02,0.87±0.15 and 0.95±0.25,respectively;the protein expression levels of TLR4 were 0.63±0.05,0.86±0.04,0.68±0.08,0.64±0.08 and 0.71±0.08,respectively;the protein expression levels of NLRP3 were 0.44±0.02,0.66±0.03,0.56±0.07,0.52±0.05 and 0.54±0.07,respectively.The differences between the model group and the control group were statistically significant(all P＜0.05);the differences between the experimental-H group and the model group were statistically significant(all P＜0.05).Conclusion NHP can improve macrophage inflammation,and its mechanism is related to inhibition of TLR4/NLRP3 signaling pathway.

Aim To explore the improvement effect of Bazi Bushen capsule on thymic degeneration in SAMP6 mice and the possible mechanism.Methods Twenty 12 week old male SAMP6 mice were randomly divided into the model group(SAMP6)and the Bazi Busheng capsule treatment group(SAMP6+BZBS).Ten SAMR1 mice were assigned to a homologous control group(SAMR1).The SAMP6+BZBS group was oral-ly administered Bazi Bushen capsule suspension(2.8 g·kg-1)daily,while the other two groups were orally administered an equal amount of distilled water.After nine weeks of administration,the morphology of the thymus in each group was observed and the thymus in-dex was calculated;HE staining was used to observe the structural changes of thymus tissue;SA-β-gal stai-ning was used to detect thymic aging;flow cytometry was used to detect the proportion of thymic CD3+T cells in each group;Western blot was used to detect the levels of p16,Bax,Bcl-2,and cleaved caspase-3 proteins in thymus;immunofluorescence was applied to detect the proportion of cortical thymic epithelial cells in each group;ELISA was employed to detect IL-7 lev-els in thymus.Results Compared with the SAMP6 group,the thymic index of the SAMP6+BZBS group significantly increased(P＜0.05);the disordered thy-mic structure was significantly improved;the positive proportion of SA-β-gal staining significantly decreased(P＜0.01);the proportion of CD3+T cells apparently increased(P＜0.05);the level of p16 protein signifi-cantly decreased(P＜0.05);the level of Bcl-2 pro-tein significantly increased(P＜0.05),while the lev-el of cleaved caspase-3 protein markedly decreased(P＜0.05);the proportion of cortical thymic epithelial cells evidently increased;the level of IL-7 significantly increased(P＜0.01).Conclusions Bazi Bushen capsule can delay thymic degeneration,inhibit cell ap-optosis in thymus and promote thymic cell development in SAMP6 mice,which may be related to increasing the proportion of cortical thymic epithelial cells and promoting IL-7 secretion.

Objective To investigate the effect of neohesperidin(NHP)on the Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3)signaling pathway in lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced macrophage inflammation model.Methods RAW264.7 cells were divided into five groups:Control group,model group,experimental-L group,experimental-H group and MCC950 group.The control group was cultured normally,while the other groups were stimulated with 100 ng·mL-1 of LPS to induce the macrophage inflammation model.The experimental-L,-H groups were treated with 100 and 400 μmol·L-1 of NHP,respectively,while the MCC950 group was treated with 30 μmol·L-1 of the NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950.All interventions lasted for 24 hours.After the intervention,quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1β),TLR4 and NLRP3 in RAW264.7 cells.Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression levels of TLR4 and NLRP3 in RAW264.7 cells.Results The mRNA expression levels of IL-1β in the control,model,experimental-L,experimental-H and MCC950 groups were 1.00±0.08,6.45±1.19,3.87±0.55,1.96±0.32 and 3.26±0.16,respectively;the mRNA expression levels of TLR4 were 1.00±0.13,2.69±0.35,1.92±0.22,1.32±0.23 and 3.38±0.33,respectively;the mRNA expression levels of NLRP3 were 1.00±0.14,1.28±0.19,0.83±0.02,0.87±0.15 and 0.95±0.25,respectively;the protein expression levels of TLR4 were 0.63±0.05,0.86±0.04,0.68±0.08,0.64±0.08 and 0.71±0.08,respectively;the protein expression levels of NLRP3 were 0.44±0.02,0.66±0.03,0.56±0.07,0.52±0.05 and 0.54±0.07,respectively.The differences between the model group and the control group were statistically significant(all P＜0.05);the differences between the experimental-H group and the model group were statistically significant(all P＜0.05).Conclusion NHP can improve macrophage inflammation,and its mechanism is related to inhibition of TLR4/NLRP3 signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether the combination of Naoxintong Capsule with standard care could further reduce the recurrence of ischemic stroke without increasing the risk of severe bleeding. METHODS: A total of 23 Chinese medical centers participated in this trial. Adult patients with a history of ischemic stroke were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio using a block design to receive either Naoxintong Capsule (1.2 g orally, twice a day) or placebo in addition to standard care. The primary endpoint was recurrence of ischemic stroke within 2 years. Secondary outcomes included myocardial infarction, death due to recurrent ischemic stroke, and all-cause mortality. The safety of drugs was monitored. Results were analyzed using the intention-to-treat principle. RESULTS: A total of 2,200 patients were enrolled from March 2015 to March 2016, of whom 143 and 158 in the Naoxintong and placebo groups were lost to follow-up, respectively. Compared with the placebo group, the recurrence rate of ischemic stroke within 2 years was significantly lower in the Naoxintong group [6.5% vs. 9.5%, hazard ratio (HR): 0.665, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.492-0.899, P=0.008]. The two groups showed no significant differences in the secondary outcomes and safety, including rates of severe hemorrhage, cerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage (P>0.05). CONCLUSION The combination of Naoxintong Capsule with standard care reduced the 2-year stroke recurrence rate in patients with ischemic stroke without increasing the risk of severe hemorrhage in high-risk patients. (Trial registration No. NCT02334969).
Adult ; Humans ; Secondary Prevention/methods* ; Ischemic Stroke ; Stroke/prevention & control* ; Cerebral Hemorrhage/complications* ; Double-Blind Method ; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors

Objective: Propionic acidemia is a rare inherited metabolic disorder caused by propionyl CoA carboxylase (PCC) deficiency. This study aims to analyze the clinical characteristics and gene variations of Chinese patients with propionic acidemia, and to explore the correlation between clinical phenotypes and genotypes. Methods: Single-center, retrospective and observational study. Seventy-eight patients of propionic acidemia (46 males and 32 females) from 20 provinces and autonomous regions were admitted from January 2007 to April 2022. Their age of initial diagnosis ranged from 7 days to 15 years. The clinical manifestations, biochemical and metabolic abnormalities, genetic variations, diagnosis, treatment and outcome were studied. Chi-Square test or Mann-Whitney U test were used for statistical analysis. Results: Among 78 cases, 6 (7.7%) were identified by newborn screening; 72 (92.3%) were clinically diagnosed after onset, and the age of onset was 2 hours after birth to 15 years old; 32 cases had early-onset disease and 40 cases had late-onset disease. The initial manifestations included lethargy, hypotonia, vomiting, feeding difficulties, developmental delay, epilepsy, and coma. Among the 74 cases who accepted gene analysis, 35 (47.3%) had PCCA variants and 39 (52.7%) had PCCB variants. A total of 39 PCCA variants and 32 PCCB variants were detected, among which c.2002G>A and c.229C>T in PCCA and c.838dupC and c.1087T>C in PCCB were the most common variants in this cohort. The variants c.1228C>T and c.1283C>T in PCCB may be related to early-onset type. The variants c.838dupC, c.1127G>T and c.1316A>G in PCCB, and c.2002G>A in PCCA may be related to late-onset disease. Six patients detected by newborn screening and treated at asymptomatic stage developed normal. The clinically diagnosed 72 cases had varied complications. 10 (12.8%) cases of them died. 62 patients improved after metabolic therapy by L-carnitine and diet. Six patients received liver transplantation because of recurrent metabolic crisis. Their clinical symptoms were markedly improved. Conclusion: The clinical manifestations of propionic acidemia are complex and lack of specificity. Newborn screening and high-risk screening are keys for early treatment and better outcome. The correlation between the genotype and phenotype of propionic acidemia is unclear, but certain variants may be associated with early-onset or late-onset propionic acidemia.
Carnitine ; Female ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Methylmalonyl-CoA Decarboxylase/metabolism* ; Mutation ; Phenotype ; Propionic Acidemia/genetics* ; Retrospective Studies

Background/Aims: Accumulating evidence indicates that L-carnitine (LC) protects against multiorgan damage through its antioxidant properties and preservation of the mitochondria. Little information is available about the effects of LC on renal fibrosis. This study examined whether LC treatment would provide renoprotection in a rat model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) and in vitro. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats that underwent UUO were treated daily with LC for 7 or 14 days. The influence of LC on renal injury caused by UUO was evaluated by histopathology, and analysis of gene expression, oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, programmed cell death, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/ AKT/forkhead box protein O 1a (FoxO1a) signaling. In addition, H2O2-exposed human kidney cells (HK-2) were treated with LC. Results: LC treatment inhibited expression of proinflammatory and profibrotic cytokines, and was followed by a significant attenuation of tubulointerstitial inflammation and fibrosis. The increased oxidative stress caused by UUO was associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and excessive apoptosis and autophagy via PI3K/AKT/FoxO1a-dependent signaling, and this was abrogated by administration of LC. In H2O2-exposed HK-2 cells, LC decreased intracellular production of reactive oxygen species, and suppressed expression of profibrotic cytokines and reduced the number of apoptotic cells. Conclusions LC protects against the progression of tubulointerstitial fibrosis in an obstructed kidney.

Background/Aims: Cigarette smoking is an important modifiable risk factor in kidney disease progression. However, the underlying mechanisms for this are lacking. This study aimed to assess whether nicotine (NIC), a major toxic component of cigarette smoking, would exacerbates tacrolimus (TAC)-induced renal injury. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were treated daily with NIC, TAC, or both drugs for 4 weeks. The influence of NIC on TAC-caused renal injury was examined via renal function, histopathology, oxidative stress, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and programmed cell death (apoptosis and autophagy). Results: Both NIC and TAC significantly impaired renal function and histopathology, while combined NIC and TAC treatment aggravated these parameters beyond the effects of either alone. Increased oxidative stress, ER stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, proinf lammatory and profibrotic cytokine expressions, and programmed cell death from either NIC or TAC were also aggravated by the two combined. Conclusions Our observations suggest that NIC exacerbates chronic TAC nephrotoxicity, implying that smoking cessation may be beneficial for transplant smokers taking TAC.

OBJECTIVEIn previous studies, we immunized mice with Ebola recombinant protein vaccine and gene vector vaccine. Both stimulated high levels of humoral immunity. In this work, we constructed a pseudovirus containing Ebola membrane proteins to verify whether the two immunization strategies can induce neutralizing antibodies in mice.

METHODSA pseudovirus containing an Ebola virus membrane protein based on the HIV-1 viral gene sequence was constructed and evaluated using a known neutralizing antibody. The titer of the neutralizing antibody in the sera of mice immunized with the recombinant protein and the gene vector vaccine was examined using a neutralization test.

RESULTSEbola pseudovirus was successfully prepared and applied for neutralizing antibody detection. Immunological experiments showed that recombinant protein GP-Fc and gene vaccine pVR-modGP-Fc had good immunogenicity. The titer of the bound antibody in the serum after 8 weeks of immunization in mice was more than 1:105, and the recombinant protein induced greater humoral immunity. The results of the neutralization test based on the Ebola pseudovirus system demonstrated that both vaccines induced production of protective antibodies, while the gene vaccine induced a higher titer of neutralizing antibodies.

CONCLUSIONAn Ebola pseudovirus detection system was successfully established and used to evaluate two Ebola vaccines. Both produced good immunogenicity. The findings lay the foundation for the development of new Ebola vaccines and screening for neutralizing monoclonal antibodies.

Objective To investigate the effect of autologous tissue breast reconstruction with microsurgical lymph node transfers and lymphatic-venous anastomoses for the treatment of mastectomy related axillary cavitydeformation and upper extremity lymphedema .Methods The donor sites of lymph node transfers were mainly chosen according to the donor site of breast reconstruction .Themicrosurgical lymph nodes were transferred to the axillary cavity .When the superficial lymph vessels could be detected in lymphangiography with indocyanine green , thelymphatic-venous anastomoses were done to improve the lymphatic drainage .The treatment effect was assessed by the perimeter changes of different parts of upper extremity, the isotope lymphangiography and associated symptoms . Results 20 cases involved in autologous tissue breast reconstruction with microsurgical lymph node transfers , 18 cases from ingruinallymph nodes and 2 cases from lateral thoracic lymph nodes .2 cases receivedlymphatic-venous anastomoses on their upper extremity .The perimeters of palm and wrist were found significantly decreased in 6 months postoperation , while the perimeters of midpoint forearm and upper arm also decreased .The cellulitis, pain and swell happened less during the follow-up from 6 months up to 4 years. The postoperation isotope lymphangiography showed functional transferred lymph nodes inaxillary cavity , better lymphatic drainage and less volume of upper extremity .The subcutaneous superficial lymphatic drainage signs could be observed by the isotope lymphangiography in cases who had lymphatic -venous anastomoseson upper extremity .Conclusions Autologous tissue breast reconstruction with microsurgical lymph node transfers and lymphatic-venous anastomoses is a promising option for the treatment of mastectomy related axillary cavitydeformation and upper extremity lymphedema .The long term results need longer follow-up and more research .

Objective To investigate the effect of autologous tissue breast reconstruction with microsurgical lymph node transfers and lymphatic-venous anastomoses for the treatment of mastectomy related axillary cavitydeformation and upper extremity lymphedema .Methods The donor sites of lymph node transfers were mainly chosen according to the donor site of breast reconstruction .Themicrosurgical lymph nodes were transferred to the axillary cavity .When the superficial lymph vessels could be detected in lymphangiography with indocyanine green , thelymphatic-venous anastomoses were done to improve the lymphatic drainage .The treatment effect was assessed by the perimeter changes of different parts of upper extremity, the isotope lymphangiography and associated symptoms . Results 20 cases involved in autologous tissue breast reconstruction with microsurgical lymph node transfers , 18 cases from ingruinallymph nodes and 2 cases from lateral thoracic lymph nodes .2 cases receivedlymphatic-venous anastomoses on their upper extremity .The perimeters of palm and wrist were found significantly decreased in 6 months postoperation , while the perimeters of midpoint forearm and upper arm also decreased .The cellulitis, pain and swell happened less during the follow-up from 6 months up to 4 years. The postoperation isotope lymphangiography showed functional transferred lymph nodes inaxillary cavity , better lymphatic drainage and less volume of upper extremity .The subcutaneous superficial lymphatic drainage signs could be observed by the isotope lymphangiography in cases who had lymphatic -venous anastomoseson upper extremity .Conclusions Autologous tissue breast reconstruction with microsurgical lymph node transfers and lymphatic-venous anastomoses is a promising option for the treatment of mastectomy related axillary cavitydeformation and upper extremity lymphedema .The long term results need longer follow-up and more research .