Background and Objectives: Pruritus is a common and disabling symptom affecting as much as 50-90% of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients undergoing dialysis. The pruritus experienced by these patients is often resistant to common anti-pruritic agents and has an overall negative impact on quality of life. With its antioxidant property and anti-inflammatory effects, omega-3 fatty acids have been used to alleviate pruritus. The objective of this study is to assess the effect of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in reducing the severity of pruritus among dialytic CKD patients. Methods: Various electronic databases were searched from inception to August 2022. Randomized controlled trials comparing the effect of omega-3 fatty acids versus placebo on the pruritus scores were included. The studies were independently assessed by three reviewers. Revman version 5.4 was used to analyze the data extracted from the studies while heterogeneity was evaluated using Chi2 and I2. Results: A total of four studies with a population of 166 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The results show an overall beneficial effect of omega-3 fatty acids with a standardized mean difference of -1.40 (CI -1.74 to -1.05, Z=7.95, p value <0.00001). With a Chi2 of 2.91 (p=0.41) and I2 of 0%, there was no significant heterogeneity observed in the pooled analysis. Conclusion Overall, the results of the meta-analysis support the finding that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation may have a beneficial effect on reducing the severity of pruritus among CKD patients on dialysis.
Fatty Acids, Omega-3 ; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic ; Pruritus

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of amygdalin on liver fibrosis in a liver fibrosis mouse model, and the underlying mechanisms were partly dissected in vivo and in vitro. METHODS: Thirty-two male mice were randomly divided into 4 groups, including control, model, low- and high-dose amygdalin-treated groups, 8 mice in each group. Except the control group, mice in the other groups were injected intraperitoneally with 10% carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-olive oil solution 3 times a week for 6 weeks to induce liver fibrosis. At the first 3 weeks, amygdalin (1.35 and 2.7 mg/kg body weight) were administered by gavage once a day. Mice in the control group received equal quantities of subcutaneous olive oil and intragastric water from the fourth week. At the end of 6 weeks, liver tissue samples were harvested to detect the content of hydroxyproline (Hyp). Hematoxylin and eosin and Sirius red staining were used to observe the inflammation and fibrosis of liver tissue. The expressions of collagen I (Col-I), alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), CD31 and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)/Smad signaling pathway were observed by immunohistochemistry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, respectively. The activation models of hepatic stellate cells, JS-1 and LX-2 cells induced by TGF-β1 were used in vitro with or without different concentrations of amygdalin (0.1, 1, 10 µmol/L). LSECs. The effect of different concentrations of amygdalin on the expressions of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) dedifferentiation markers CD31 and CD44 were observed. RESULTS: High-dose of amygdalin significantly reduced the Hyp content and percentage of collagen positive area, and decreased the mRNA and protein expressions of Col-I, α-SMA, CD31 and p-Smad2/3 in liver tissues of mice compared to the model group (P<0.01). Amygdalin down-regulated the expressions of Col-I and α-SMA in JS-1 and LX-2 cells, and TGFβ R1, TGFβ R2 and p-Smad2/3 in LX-2 cells compared to the model group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Moreover, 1 and 10 µmol/L amygdalin inhibited the mRNA and protein expressions of CD31 in LSECs and increased CD44 expression compared to the model group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Amygdalin can dramatically alleviate liver fibrosis induced by CCl₄ in mice and inhibit TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway, consequently suppressing HSCs activation and LSECs dedifferentiation to improve angiogenesis.
Rats ; Male ; Mice ; Animals ; Transforming Growth Factor beta/metabolism* ; Amygdalin/therapeutic use* ; Endothelial Cells/metabolism* ; Olive Oil/therapeutic use* ; Rats, Wistar ; Smad Proteins/metabolism* ; Liver Cirrhosis/metabolism* ; Liver ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1/metabolism* ; Signal Transduction ; Collagen Type I/metabolism* ; Carbon Tetrachloride ; Hepatic Stellate Cells

Rheumatoid arthritis(RA), a chronic autoimmune disease, is featured by persistent joint inflammation. The development of RA is associated with the disturbance of endogenous metabolites and intestinal microbiota. Gardeniae Fructus(GF), one of the commonly used medicinal food in China, is usually prescribed for the prevention and treatment of jaundice, inflammation, ache, fever, and skin ulcers. GF exerts an effect on ameliorating RA, the mechanism of which remains to be studied. In this study, ultra-perfor-mance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-MS/MS)-based serum non-target metabolomics and 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing were employed to elucidate the mechanism of GF in ameliorating RA induced by complete Freund's adjuvant in rats. The results showed that GF alleviated the pathological conditions in adjuvant arthritis(AA) rats. The low-and high-dose GF lo-wered the serum levels of interleukin(IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), IL-1β, and prostaglandin E2 in the rats(P<0.05, P<0.01). Pathways involved in metabolomics were mainly α-linolenic acid metabolism and glycerophospholipid metabolism. The results of 16S rDNA sequencing showed that the Streptococcus, Facklamia, Klebsiella, Enterococcus, and Kosakonia were the critical gut microorganisms for GF to treat AA in rats. Spearman correlation analysis showed that the three differential metabolites PE-NMe[18:1(9Z)/20:0], PC[20:1(11Z)/18:3(6Z,9Z,12Z)], and PC[20:0/18:4(6Z,9Z,12Z,15Z)] were correlated with the differential bacteria. In conclusion, GF may ameliorate RA by regulating the composition of intestinal microbiota, α-linolenic acid metabolism, and glycerophospholipid metabolism. The findings provide new ideas and data for elucidating the mechanism of GF in relieving RA.
Rats ; Animals ; Chromatography, Liquid ; Gardenia ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; alpha-Linolenic Acid ; Metabolomics/methods* ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid/drug therapy* ; Inflammation ; Glycerophospholipids

Essential fatty acids are those that could not be synthesized by the body itself but crucial for health and life. Studies have shown that ω-3 fatty acids may facilitate human physiological functions. Mammals lack ω-3 desaturase gene, and the Δ15 fatty acid desaturase (Δ15 Des) from Caenorhabditis elegans can transform the ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) into ω-3 PUFAs. Transgenic mice expressing Δ15 Des enzyme activity was constructed by using a PiggyBac transposon (PB). Homozygous transgenic mice with stable inheritance was bred in a short time, with a positive rate of 35.1% achieved. The mice were fed with 6% ω-6 PUFAs and the changes of fatty acids in mice were detected by gas chromatography (GC). The expression level of Δ15 Des in mice was detected by quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Western blotting (WB). qPCR and GC analysis revealed that the percentage of positive mice harboring the active gene was 61.53%. Compared with traditional methods, the transformation efficiency and activity of Δ15 Des were significantly improved, and homozygotes showed higher activity than that of heterozygotes. This further verified the efficient transduction efficiency of the PiggyBac transposon system.
Animals ; Caenorhabditis elegans/genetics* ; Fatty Acid Desaturases/genetics* ; Fatty Acids ; Fatty Acids, Omega-3 ; Mice ; Mice, Transgenic

ABSTRACT Phenolic compounds are secondary metabolites of plants metabolism and can be found in olive oil. They exhibit antimicrobial activity towards both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. However, little is known about the antibacterial activity of the compounds towards periodontopathogens. The study aimed to investigate the potential of these compounds as antibacterial agents towards pathogens, specifically Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum. Phenolic compounds were extracted from extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) through liquid-liquid separation using methanol:water (70:30), and hexane. It was then prepared in various concentrations to determine its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against the periodontopathogens. The anti-adhesion activity was quantified using crystal violet staining while the effects on the morphology were examined through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The MICs of the phenolic compounds on A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum were 31.25 mg/mL, 62.5 mg/mL and 125 mg/mL, respectively. The MBCs of the phenolic compounds on A. actinomycetemcomitans and F. nucleatum were 62.5 mg/mL and 125 mg/mL, respectively suggesting this compound can eradicate these bacteria. There was no bactericidal effect on P. gingivalis. The adhesion of all the bacteria was interrupted by the compounds at the lowest concentration (1.95 mg/mL). SEM findings showed disruption of bacterial cell surfaces such as blebs and disintegration of cells after exposure to this extract. Phenolic compounds of olive oil exhibited antibacterial activity against the tested pathogens, with bactericidal effects on A. actinomycetemcomitans and F. nucleatum and bacteriostatic effects on P. gingivalis.
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Phenols ; Periodontal Diseases ; Olive Oil

The chemical constituents in Urtica dioica fruits were investigated by silica gel chromatography, preparative HPLC, NMR, and HR-MS for the first time. As a result, 21 compounds were isolated from the fruits of U. dioica and identified 7R,8S,8'R-olivil(1), oleic acid(2), α-linoleic acid(3), palmic acid(4), methyl palmitate(5), α-linolenic acid(6), α-linolenic acid methyl ester(7), 5-O-caffeoyl-shikimic acid(8), vanillic acid(9), p-coumaric acid(10), 5-O-p-coumaroylshikimic acid(11), cinnamic acid(12), quinic acid(13), shikimic acid(14), ethyl caffeate(15), coniferyl ferulate(16), ferulic acid(17), caffeic acid(18), chlorogenic acid(19), pinoresinol(20), and quercetin(21). Compound 1 was a new compound and compounds 2-16 were isolated from U. dioica for the first time.
Chlorogenic Acid ; Fruit ; Linoleic Acid ; Oleic Acid ; Quercetin/chemistry* ; Quinic Acid ; Shikimic Acid ; Silicon Dioxide ; Urtica dioica/chemistry* ; Vanillic Acid ; alpha-Linolenic Acid

To investigate the therapeutic effect of Jingfang Granules on carbon tetrachloride(CCl_4)-induced liver fibrosis in mice and its mechanism. Forty-nine 8-week-old male C57 BL/6 J mice were randomly divided into a blank group, a CCl_4 group, a silybin group(positive control, 100 mg·kg~(-1))+CCl_4, a Jingfang high-dose(16 g·kg~(-1)) group, a Jingfang high-dose(16 g·kg~(-1))+CCl_4 group, a Jingfang medium-dose(8 g·kg~(-1))+CCl_4 group, and a Jingfang low-dose(4 g·kg~(-1))+CCl_4 group, with 7 mice in each group. The mice in the blank group and Jingfang high-dose group were intraperitoneally injected olive oil solution, and mice in other groups were intraperitoneally injected with 10% CCl_4 olive oil solution(5 mL·kg~(-1)) to induce liver fibrosis, twice a week with an interval of 3 d, for 8 weeks. At the same time, except for the blank group and CCl_4 group, which were given deionized water, the mice in other groups were given the corresponding dose of drugs by gavage once daily for 8 weeks with the gavage volume of 10 mL·kg~(-1). All mice were fasted and freely drank for 12 h after the last administration, and then the eyeballs were removed for blood collection. The liver and spleen were collected, and the organ index was calculated. The levels of alanine aminotransferase(ALT), aspartate aminotransferase(AST), total bile acid(TBA), and triglyceride(TG) in the serum of mice were detected by an automated analyzer. Tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-6(IL-6) and interleukin-1β(IL-1β) levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Kits were used to detect the contents of superoxide dismutase(SOD), malondialdehyde(MDA), and glutathione(GSH) in the liver tissue. Pathological changes in the liver tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE), Masson, and Sirius red staining. Western blot was used to detect protein expressions of transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β), α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA) and Smad4 in the liver tissue. The results indicated that Jingfang Granules significantly reduced the organ index, levels of ALT, AST, TBA,TG, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in the serum, and the content of MDA in the liver tissue of mice with CCl_4-induced liver fibrosis. Jingfang Granules also significantly increased the content of SOD and GSH in the liver tissue. Meanwhile, Jingfang Granules down-regulated the protein levels of TGF-β, α-SMA, and Smad4. Furthermore, Jingfang Granules had no significant effect on the liver tissue morphology and the above indexes in the normal mice. In conclusion, Jingfang Granules has obvious therapeutic effect on CCl_4-induced liver fibrosis, and its mechanism may be related to reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory factors, anti-oxidation, and regulating TGF-β/Smad4 signaling pathway.
Mice ; Male ; Animals ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism* ; Interleukin-6/metabolism* ; Olive Oil/therapeutic use* ; Carbon Tetrachloride/metabolism* ; Liver Cirrhosis/metabolism* ; Liver ; Superoxide Dismutase/metabolism* ; Transforming Growth Factor beta/metabolism*

The fatty acid composition of spermatozoa has been shown to be important for their function, and L-carnitine is crucial for fatty acid metabolism. Its levels in the seminal plasma positively correlate with semen quality, whereas high body mass index (BMI) is associated with both reduced semen quality and altered sperm fatty acid composition. Here, we examined the associations between free seminal L-carnitine levels and sperm fatty acid composition as well as BMI. Semen samples were collected and analyzed from 128 men with unknown fertility status and with BMI ranging from 19 kg m^-2 to 63 kg m^-2. Sperm fatty acid composition was assessed by gas chromatography, while free seminal L-carnitine analysis was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography. Multiple linear regression analysis showed a positive correlation of free seminal L-carnitine levels with the amount of sperm palmitic acid (β = 0.21; P = 0.014), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; β = 0.23; P = 0.007), and total n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (β = 0.23; P = 0.008) and a negative correlation of free seminal L-carnitine levels with lignoceric acid (β = -0.29; P = 0.001) and total n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (β = -0.24; P = 0.012) when adjusted for covariates. There was no relationship between free seminal L-carnitine levels and BMI. Since free seminal L-carnitine levels are associated with semen quality, the absence of a correlation with BMI suggests that reduced semen quality in obese men is independent of seminal L-carnitine.
Carnitine ; Docosahexaenoic Acids ; Fatty Acids ; Humans ; Male ; Semen ; Semen Analysis ; Sperm Count ; Sperm Motility ; Spermatozoa

Objective: To investigate the protective effect of diallyl sulfide (DAS) , against benzene-induced genetic damage in rat. Methods: In September 2018, Sixty adult male adaptive feeding 5 days, were randomly divided into six groups according to their weight. Control groups, DAS control groups, benzene model groups, benzene+low DAS groups, benzene+middle DAS groups, benzene+High DAS group, 10 in each group. Rats in the DAS and DAS control group were orally given DAS at 40, 80, 160, 160 mg/kg, blank control and benzene model groups were given corn oil in the same volume. 2 h later, the rats in the benzene model and DAS treatment groups were given gavage administration of benzene (1.3 g/kg) mixed with corn oil (50%, V/V) , blank and DAS control groups were given corn oil in the same volume. Once a day, for 4 weeks. Samples were collected for subsequent testing. Results: Compared with the blank control group, In benzene treated rat, peripheral WBC count was reduced 65.06% (P=0.003) , lymphocyte ratiowas reduced (P=0.000) , micronucleus rate was increased (P=0.000) , Mean fluorescent intensity and relative fluorescence intensity of γH2AX in BMCs were increased 32.69%、32.64% (P=0.001、0.008) , Mean fluorescent intensity and relative fluorescence intensity of γH2AX in PBLs were increased 397.70%、396.26% (P=0.000、P=0.003) respectively. Compared with the benzene model group, the WBC count increased respectively (P=0.000、0.003、0.006) and the micronucleus rate decreased (P=0.000、0.000、0.000) in the DAS groups, Mean fluorescent intensity and relative fluorescence intensity ofγH2AX in BMCs were significantly reduced in the high DAS groups (P=0.000、0.000) , Mean fluorescent intensity and relative fluorescence intensity ofγH2AX in PBLs were significantly reduced in the low, middle, high DAS groups (P=0.000、0.000) . Conclusion: DAS can effectively suppress benzene induced genotoxic damage in rats.
4-Acetamido-4'-isothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic Acid/analogs & derivatives* ; Allyl Compounds/pharmacology* ; Animals ; Benzene/toxicity* ; Corn Oil ; DNA Damage ; Male ; Rats ; Sulfides/pharmacology*

Resolution of inflammation plays an important part in maintaining homeostasis. It is an actively programmed progress involving multiple immune cells and mediators. Specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) derived from Ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids include resolvins, protectins and maresins, and they exert abilities in the resolution of inflammation, host defense, organ protection, and tissue generation. Periodontitis is an inflammatory and destructive disease in the periodontal tissue initiated by dental plaque. Inadequate proinflammatory or proresolving responses, or the imbalance between the two, may contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease. Studies have shown that activating specialized receptors SPMs displayed multiple biological effects towards periodontitis, including resolution of inflammation, alveolar bone protection, periodontal tissue regeneration, and pathogen resistance. Thus, the relationship between SPM and periodontitis and the potentials and challenges in SPM application were reviewed.
Fatty Acids, Omega-3 ; Homeostasis ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Inflammation Mediators ; Periodontitis