Identification of marker genes associated with N6-methyladenosine and autophagy in ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND Both N6-methyladenosine(m6A)methylation and autophagy are considered relevant to the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis(UC).However,a systematic exploration of the role of the com-bination of m6A methylation and autophagy in UC remains to be performed.AIM To elucidate the autophagy-related genes of m6A with a diagnostic value for UC.METHODS The correlation between m6A-related genes and autophagy-related genes(ARGs)was analyzed.Finally,gene set enrichment analysis(GSEA)was performed on the characteristic genes.Additionally,the expression levels of four characteristic genes were verified in dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced colitis in mice.RESULTS GSEA indicated that BAG3,P4HB and TP53INP2 were involved in the inflammatory response and TNF-αsignalling via nuclear factor kappa-B.Furthermore,polymerase chain reaction results showed significantly higher mRNA levels of BAG3 and P4HB and lower mRNA levels of FMR1 and TP53INP2 in the DSS group compared to the control group.CONCLUSION This study identified four m6A-ARGs that predict the occurrence of UC,thus providing a scientific reference for further studies on the pathogenesis of UC.

FS-LASIK和SMILE术后角膜前表面非球面性变化的比较

目的:分析并比较飞秒激光制瓣联合准分子激光原位角膜磨镶术(FS-LASIK)与飞秒激光小切口角膜基质透镜取出术(SMILE)对角膜前表面非球面性的影响。方法:选取2016-11/2017-09在我院行FS-LASIK手术(FS-LASIK组)和SMILE手术(SMILE组)的近视患者各60例60眼,术前和术后3mo使用Pentacam眼前节分析系统测量角膜前表面6、7、8、9mm直径范围Q值和角膜前表面像差。结果:术前,两组患者角膜前表面各直径范围Q值均无差异;术后3mo,均明显高于术前,且FS-LASIK组患者角膜前表面6mm直径范围Q值明显高于SMILE组(0.89±0.43 vs 0.47±0.32,P<0.05)。术前,两组患者角膜总高阶像差和角膜球差均无差异;术后3mo,两组患者角膜总高阶像差也无差异,但FS-LASIK组患者角膜球差高于SMILE组(0.43±0.23μm vs 0.31±0.11μm,P<0.05)。结论:FS-LASIK和SMILE术均改变了角膜前表面非球面性,术后角膜前表面Q值均向正值方向变化,且SMILE术对角膜前表面Q值和角膜像差的改变均小于FS-LASIK术。

经上皮准分子激光角膜切削术对角膜前表面参数的影响

目的:观察经上皮准分子激光角膜切削术(TPRK)对角膜曲率、非球面性参数(Q值)及像差的影响。方法:选取行TPRK手术治疗并随访6mo以上的近视患者29例58眼,Pentacam行术前和术后检查。分析术前和术后6mo时1~8mm直径曲率、目标曲率和术后3mm环曲率,Q值和角膜像差。结果:1~8mm范围,角膜曲率术后比术前各范围均有显著性降低。术后3mm环曲率39.20±1.99D,手术目标曲率39.51±1.99D,两者呈显著相关(r=0.98)。术前术后Q值分别为-0.44^-0.30、0.34~0.66(P<0.05)。术前和术后角膜总高阶像差、球差、垂直彗差分别为0.41±0.10、0.17±0.08、-0.07±0.23和0.72±0.23、0.41±0.17、-0.24±0.32,术后有显著性增加;手术前后水平彗差分别为-0.03±0.12、-0.03±0.30(P>0.05)。结论:TPRK手术后角膜曲率显著性降低,3mm区域的变化量最大;术后Q值、角膜总高阶像差、球差和垂直彗差均显著性增加。

脐针治疗腹泻型肠易激综合征疗效及对脑肠肽的影响

背景肠易激综合征(irritable bowel syndrome,IBS)的发生与脑-肠轴失调相关.脐针具有缓解痉挛,治疗腹泻的作用.我们假设:腹泻型肠易激综合征(diarrhea-type irritable bowel syndrome,IBS-D)存在脑肠肽分泌紊乱,脐针通过调控脑肠肽分泌改善IBS患者症状.目的探讨脐针治疗IBS-D患者的临床疗效及其对血清脑肠肽的影响.方法60例患者符合罗马Ⅳ制定的IBS-D的诊断标准,单盲随机分为2组:脐针组30例,予脐针;益生菌组30例,予地衣芽孢杆菌胶囊治疗,疗程均4周.同时征集30名健康志愿者作基线检测对照.观察2组患者治疗前后的临床症状评分,SF-36量表评分,汉密尔顿抑郁量表(hamilton depression scale,HAMD)及汉密尔顿焦虑量表(hamilton anxiety scale,HAMA)评分,血清5-羟色胺(5-hydroxytryptamine,5-HT),降钙素基因相关肽(calcitonin gene-related peptide,CGRP),P物质(substance P,SP),一氧化氮(nitricoxide,NO),血管活性肠肽(vasoactive intestinal peptide,VIP)含量的变化.试验过程中无一例出现不良反应.结果治疗后脐针组及益生菌组的临床症状评分明显低于治疗前(P=0.000);治疗后脐针组及益生菌组SF-36量表评分明显高于治疗前(P=0.000),HAMD及HAMA评分明显低于治疗前(P=0.000);治疗后脐针组及益生菌组患者血清5-HT,CGRP,SP,NO,VIP含量显著下降(P<0.0001).结论脐针能有效改善IBS-D患者的临床症状及心理精神状态,提高生活质量,其作用机制可能通过降低5-HT,CGRP,SP,NO,VIP水平,调节脑肠肽分泌相关.其治疗效果与益生菌制剂相当.

连续网状结构Ti_(2)AlN/TiAl复合材料的制备及力学性能

采用高温气体渗氮法将氮引入TiAl预合金粉末中,然后采用放电等离子烧结法制备具有连续网络增强相结构的Ti_(2)AlN/TiAl复合材料。结果表明,复合材料的硬度明显高于TiAl合金的硬度,并随着氮化时间的增加而增加。该强化效果是粉末渗氮引起的固溶体强化、具有高硬度和弹性模量的连续网状Ti_(2)AlN相以及位错密度增加协同作用的结果。同时,与TiAl合金相比,Ti_(2)AlN/TiAl复合材料的抗压强度降低,这与氮化后直接形成的一部分Ti_(2)AlN颗粒和过多的增强相含量有关。

Gut microbiota contributes to the distinction between two traditional Chinese medicine syndromes of ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND Ulcerative colitis(UC)is considered to be closely associated with alteration of intestinal microorganisms.According to the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)theory,UC can be divided into two disease syndromes called Pi-Xu-Shi-Yun(PXSY)and Da-Chang-Shi-Re(DCSR).The relationships among gut microbiota,TCM syndromes,and UC pathogenesis have not been well investigated.AIM To investigate the role of gut microbiota in UC and the distinction of microbiota dysbiosis between PXSY and DCSR syndromes.METHODS From May 2015 to February 2016,UC patients presenting to LongHua Hospital who met the established inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled in this retrospective study.Fresh stool specimens of UC patients with PXSY or DCSR were collected.The feces of the control group came from the health examination population of Longhua Hospital.The composition of gut bacterial communities in stool samples was determined by the pyrosequencing of 16S ribosomal RNA.The high-throughput sequencing reads were processed with QIIME,and biological functions were predicted using Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States.RESULTS The composition of gut bacterial communities in 93 stool samples(30 healthy controls,32 patients with PXSY syndrome,and 31 patients with DCSR syndrome)was determined by the pyrosequencing of 16S ribosomal RNA.Beta diversity showed that the composition of the microbiota was different among the three groups.At the family level,Porphyromonadaceae,Rikeneliaceae,and Lachnospiraceae significantly decreased while Enterococcus,Streptococcus,and other potential pathogens significantly increased in UC patients compared to healthy subjects.At the genus level,Parabacteroides,Dorea,and Ruminococcus decreased while Faeca-libacterium showed increased abundance in UC compared to healthy controls.Five differential taxa were identified between PXSY and DCSR syndromes.At the genus level,a significantly increased abundance of Streptococcus was observed in DCSR patients,while Lachnoclostridium increased in PXSY patients.The differential functional pathways of the gut microbiome between the PXSY and DCSR groups mainly included lipid metabolism,immunity,and the metabolism of polypeptides.CONCLUSION Our study suggests that the gut microbiota contributes to the distinction between the two TCM syndromes of UC.

Jianpi Qingchang decoction alleviates ulcerative colitis by inhibiting nuclear factor-κB activation

To investigate the therapeutic effect of Jianpi Qingchang decoction (JPQCD) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice.METHODSC57BL/c mice were injected intragastrically with 5% DSS instead of drinking water for 7 d, and their body weight, diarrhea severity and fecal bleeding were monitored, while the mice in the control group were treated with standard drinking water, without DSS. After 7 d, the DSS drinking water was changed to normal water and the DSS group continued with DSS water. The control and DSS groups were given normal saline by intragastric injection. The 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) group was treated orally with 5-ASA at a dose of 100 mg/kg daily. The JPQCD group was treated orally with JPQCD at a dose of 17.1 g/kg daily. On day 14, the colon length was measured, the colorectal histopathological damage score was assessed, and protein levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in colon supernatants were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-8, TNF-α and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) was detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression of NF-κB and inhibitor of kappa B.RESULTSAcute inflammation occurred in the mice administered DSS, including the symptoms of losing body weight, loose feces/watery diarrhea and presence of fecal blood; all these symptoms worsened at 7 d. The colons of mice treated with DSS were assessed by histological examination, and the results confirmed that acute inflammation had occurred, as evidenced by loss of colonic mucosa and chronic inflammatory cell infiltration, and these features extended into the deeper layer of the colon walls. The expression levels of IL-1β, IL-8 and TNF-α in the DSS group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05), and the expression levels of IL-1β, IL-8 and TNF-α in the JPQCD and 5-ASA groups were lower than those in the DSS group after treating with JPQCD and 5-ASA. Comparing with the DSS group, the mRNA level of IL-1β, IL-8, TNF-α and NF-κB was significantly reduced by 5-ASA and JPQCD. The difference between JPQCD and 5-ASA groups was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Comparing with the DSS group, due to using JPQCD and 5-ASA, significant suppression of activation in DSS-induced NF-κB and increased phosphorylation of IκB in mice with experimental colitis occurred (P < 0.05). The difference between the JPQCD group and the 5-ASA group was not statistically significant (P > 0.05).CONCLUSIONActivation of the NF-κB signaling pathway is inhibited by JPQCD, which shows the potential mechanism by which JPQCD treats UC.

Jianpi Qingchang decoction regulates intestinal motility of dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis through reducing autophagy of interstitial cells of Cajal

AIM To investigate the underlying effect of Jianpi Qingchang decoction(JQD) regulating intestinal motility of dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced colitis in mice. METHODS C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups: the control group, the DSS group, the JQD group, and the 5-aminosalicylic acid group. Except for the control group, colitis was induced in other groups by giving distilled water containing 5% DSS. Seven days after modeling, the mice were administered corresponding drugs intragastrically. The mice were sacrificed on the 15^(th) day. The disease activity index, macroscopic and histopathologic lesions, and ultrastructure of colon interstitial cells of Cajal(ICC) were observed. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α), interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-10 and interferon gamma(IFN-γ), the expression of nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB) p65, c-kit, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3(LC3-Ⅱ) and Beclin-l m RNA, and the colonic smooth muscle tension were assessed. RESULTS Acute inflammation occurred in the mice administered DSS. Compared with the control group, the levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-10 and IFN-γ, the expression of LC3-Ⅱ, Beclin-1 and NF-κB p65 m RNA, and the contractile frequency increased(P < 0.05), the expression of c-kit m RNA and the colonic smooth muscle contractile amplitude decreased in the DSS group(P < 0.05). Compared with the DSS group, the levels of IL-10 and IFN-γ, the expression of c-kit m RNA, and the colonic smooth muscle contractile amplitude increased(P < 0.05), the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β, the expression of LC3-Ⅱ, Beclin-1 and NF-κB p65 m RNA, and the contractile frequency decreased in the JQD group(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION JQD can regulate the intestinal motility of DSS-induced colitis in mice through suppressing intestinal inflammatory cascade reaction, reducing autophagy of ICC, and regulating the network path of ICC/smooth muscle cells.

Systems pharmacology approach reveals protective mechanisms of Jian-Pi Qing-Chang decoction on ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND Given the complex pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC), the conventional therapeutic methods are not fully curative. As a sort of systematic complementary and alternative medicine, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) provides new options for the standard therapy. Nevertheless, there are still numerous problems with the promotion of TCM attributed to its complexity, and consequently, new research approaches are urgently needed. Thus, we explored the protective effects of Jian-Pi Qing-Chang (JPQC) decoction on UC based on systems pharmacology approach, which might fill the current innovation gap in drug discovery and clinical practice pertaining to TCM. AIM To investigate the protective mechanisms of JPQC decoction on UC based on systems pharmacology approach. METHODS We performed systems pharmacology to predict the active ingredients, the matched targets, and the potential pharmacological mechanism of JPQC on UC. In vivo, we explored the effects of JPQC in a colitis model induced by dextran sulfate sodium. In vitro, we adopted the bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) as well as BMDMs co-cultured with Caco2 cells to verify the underlying mechanisms and effects of JPQC on UC under TNF-α stimulation. RESULTS Systems pharmacology revealed 170 targets for the 107 active ingredients of JPQC and 112 candidate targets of UC. Protein-protein interaction networks were established to identify the underlying therapeutic targets of JPQC on UC. Based on enrichment analyses, we proposed our hypothesis that JPQC might have a protective effect on UC via the NF-κB/HIF-1α signalling pathway. Subsequent experimental validation revealed that treatment with TNFα activated the NF-κB/HIF-1α signalling pathway in BMDMs, thereby damaging the epithelial barrier permeability in co-cultured Caco2 cells, while JPQC rescued this situation. The findings were also confirmed in a dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis model. CONCLUSION JPQC could improve the mucosal inflammatory response and intestinal epithelial barrier function via the NF-κB/HIF-1α signalling pathway, which provides new perspectives on the pharmaceutical development and clinical practice of TCM.

Systems pharmacology approach reveals the antiinflammatory effects of Ampelopsis grossedentata on dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis

AIM To investigate the protective effects of Ampelopsis grossedentata(AMP) on dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced colitis in mice based on systems pharmacology approach.METHODS Systems pharmacology approach was used to predict the active ingredients, candidate targets and the efficacy of AMP on ulcerative colitis(UC) using a holistic process of active compound screening, target fishing, network construction and analysis. A DSSinduced colitis model in C57 BL/6 mice(n = 10/group) was constructed and treated with 5-aminosalicylic acid(100 mg/kg/d) and AMP(400 mg/kg/d) to confirm the underlying mechanisms and effects of AMP on UC with western blot analyses, polymerase chain reaction, histological staining and immunohistochemistry.RESULTS The therapeutic effects of AMP against DSS-induced colitis were determined in the beginning, and the results showed that AMP significantly improved the disease in general observations and histopathology analysis. Subsequent systems pharmacology predicted 89 corresponding targets for the four candidate compounds of AMP, as well as 123 candidate targets of UC, and protein-protein interaction networks were constructed for the interaction of putative targets of AMP against UC. Enrichment analyses on TNF-α and RANKL/RANK, a receptor activator of NF-κB signaling pathways, were then carried out. Experimental validation revealed that inflammation-related signaling pathways were activated in the DSS group, and AMP significantly suppressed DSS-induced high expression of IRAK1, TRAF6, IκB and NF-κB, and inhibited the elevated expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8.CONCLUSION AMP could exert protective effects on UC via suppressing the IRAK1/TRAF6/NF-κB-mediated inflammatory signaling pathways.

GW4064, a farnesoid X receptor agonist, upregulates adipokine expression in preadipocytes and HepG2 cells

AIM: To investigate the effect of GW4064 on the expression of adipokines and their receptors during differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and in HepG2 cells.

Research advances of vasoactive intestinal peptide in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis by regulating interleukin-10 expression in regulatory B cells

Ulcerative colitis(UC)is a chronic relapsed intestinal disease with an increasing incidence around the world.The pathophysiology of UC remains unclear.However,the role of the interaction between the enteric nervous system and the immune system in the pathogenesis of UC has been the focus of attention and has become a research hotspot.Vasoactive intestinal peptide(VIP)is a kind of endogenous neuropeptide with regulatory activity on intestinal immunity.It has been shown to regulate immune disorders in animal and human experiments and has become an effective anti-inflammatory and immune modulator that affects the innate immune system and adaptive immune system.Regulatory B cells(Bregs)are a new group of B cells that negatively regulate the immunity and have received extensive attention in immune circles.Bregs can regulate immune tolerance by producing interleukin(IL)-10,IL-35,and transforming growth factor-β,suppressing autoimmune diseases or excessive inflammatory responses.The secretion of IL-10 by Bregs induces the development of T helper(Th)0 and Th2 cells.It also induces Th2 cytokines and inhibits Th1 cytokines,thereby inhibiting Th1 cells and the Th1/Th2 balance.With further clarity on the mechanism of the regulation of IL-10 expression by VIP in Bregs in colitis patients,we believe that Bregs can provide a novel strategy for the clinical treatment of UC.Thus,we aim to review the current literature on this evolving topic.

Priority recovery of lithium and effective leaching of nickel and cobalt from spent lithium-ion battery

The cathode materials of spent lithium-ion batteries(LIBs)were recovered via reductive roasting,Na_(2)CO_(3) leaching,and ammonia leaching.The effects of roasting parameters,Na_(2)CO_(3) leaching parameters,and ammonia leaching parameters on the leaching efficiencies of metals were explored.The results show that the mineral phase of spent LIBs is reconstructed during reductive roasting,and more than 99%of Li can be preferentially leached via Na_(2)CO_(3) leaching.Ni(99.7%)and Co(99.9%)can be leached via one-step ammonia leaching,and Mn cannot be leached.Thus,good leaching selectivity is achieved.The kinetic study shows that the leaching of Ni and Co conforms to chemical reaction control.

Comparative study of visual acuity and aberrations after intralase femtosecond LASIK:small corneal flap versus big corneal flap

AIM:To study the effects of different flap sizes on visual acuity,refractive outcomes,and aberrations after femtosecond laser for laser in situ keratomileusis(LASIK).METHODS:In each of the forty patients enrolled,1 eye was randomly assigned to receive treatment with a 8.1mm diameter corneal flap,defined as the small flap,while the other eye was treated with a 8.6mm diameter corneal flap,defined as the big flap.Refractive errors,visual acuity,and higher-order aberrations were compared between the two groups at week 1,month 1 and 3 postoperatively. RESULTS:The postoperative refractive errors and visual acuity all conformed to the intended goal.Postoperative higher-order aberrations were increased,especially in spherical aberration(Z12) and vertical coma(Z7).There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of postoperative refractive errors,visual acuity,root mean square of total HOAs(HO-RMS),trefoil 30°(Z6),vertical coma(Z7),horizontal coma(Z8),trefoil 0°(Z9),and spherical aberration(Z12) at any point during the postoperative follow-up.CONCLUSION:Both the small and big flaps are safe and effective procedures to correct myopia,provided the exposure stroma meets the excimer laser ablations.The personalized size corneal flap is feasible,as we can design the size of corneal flap based on the principle that the corneal flap diameter should be equal to or greater than the sum of the maximum ablation diameter and apparatus error.

Relationship between Ulcerative Colitis and Lung Injuries

Objective To explore the relationship between ulcerative colitis(UC) and lung injuries by assessing their clinical manifestations and characteristics. Methods From July 2009 to April 2012, 91 UC patients presenting to Longhua Hospital who met the established inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled in this retrospective study. According to the scores of disease activity index, the patients were divided into the mild, moderate, and severe groups. Meanwhile, the records of pulmonary symptoms, chest X-ray image, and pulmonary function were reviewed. Results Sixty-eight(74.7%) patients had at least 1 pulmonary symptom, such as cough(38.5%), shortness of breath(27.5%), and expectoration(17.6%). And 77(84.6%) had at least 1 ventilation abnormality. Vital capacity value was significantly lower in the severe group than that in the mild group(91.82%±10.38% vs. 98.92%±12.12%, P<0.05). Conclusions Lung injury is a common extraintestinal complication of UC. According to the theory in Traditional Chinese Medicine that the lung and large intestine are related, both the lungs and large intestine should be treated simultaneously.

Influence of Shenqing Recipe on Morphology and Quantity of Colonic Interstitial Cells of Cajal in Trinitrobenzene Sulfonic Acid Induced Rat Colitis

Objective To observe the influence of Shenqing Recipe (SQR), a kind of Traditional Chinese Medicine, on the morphology and quantity of colonic interstitial ceils of Cajal (ICC) in trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced rat colitis, and to investigate the possible mechanism of SQR in regulating intestinal dynamics. Methods Sixty rats were randomly divided into normal control, model Ⅰ , model Ⅱ, mesalazine, and high-dose, and low-dose SQR groups with 10 rats in each group. TNBS (10 mg) dissolved in 50% ethanol was instilled into the lumen of the rat colon of the latter five groups to induce colitis. On the 4th day after administration of TNBS, each treatment group was administered one of the following formulations by enteroclysis gavage once a day for 7 days: 600 mg·kg^-1·d^-1 mesalazine, 2.4g^-1·d^-1 SQR, and 1.2g^-1·d^-1 SQR. Model Ⅱ rats received normal saline solution. After 7 days colonic samples were collected. While the colonic samples of model I group were collected on the 3rd day after TNBS administered. Ultrastructure of ICC in the damaged colonic tissues was observed with transmission electron microscope. Expression of c-kit protein in colonic tissue was determined by immunohistochemical staining and Western blot. Results The ultrastructure of colonic ICC in the rat model of TNBS-induced colitis showed a severe injury, and administration of SQR or mesalazine reduced the severity of injury. Similarly, the expression of c-kit protein of TNBS-induced colitis rat model was significantly decreased compared with the normal control group (P〈0.05). Treatment with SQR or mesalazine significantly increased the expression of c-kit protein compared with the administration of control formulations (P〈0.05), especially the high-dose SQR group. Conclusion SQR could alleviate and repair the injured ICC, and improve its quantity, which might be involved in regulating intestinal motility.

Double balloon enteroscopy in the old: Experience from China

AIM: To evaluate the safety, efficacy and management of double balloon enteroscopy (DBE) carried out in those aged individuals with suspicious small intestine diseases. METHODS: DBE is a wonderful invention of the past decade and is widely used as an examination tool for the gastrointestinal tract. From January 2003 to July 2011, data from patients who were ≥ 65 years old and underwent DBE examination in the Nanfang Hospital were included in a retrospective analysis.RESULTS: Fifty-nine individuals were found and subsequently analyzed. The mean age was 69.63 ± 3.89 years (range 65-84), 34 were males. Indications for DBE were melena/hematochezia (36 cases), abdominal pain (15 cases), diarrhea (3 cases), stool change (1 case), weight loss (1 case), vomiting (2 cases), and debilitation (1 case). The average duration of symptoms was 33.34 ± 64.24 mo. Twenty-seven patients suffered from age-related diseases. Severe complications were not found during and after DBE. Comparison between systolic and diastolic blood pressure before and after DBE was statistically significant (mean ± SD, P < 0.01, P < 0.05, respectively). Small bowel pathologies were found by DBE in 35 patients, definite diagnoses were made in 31 cases, and detection rate and diagnostic yield for DBE were 68.6% and 60.8%, respectively. CONCLUSION: DBE is a safe and effective method for gastrointestinal examination in the aged population. Aging alone is not a risk factor for elderly patients with suspicious gastrointestinal diseases and thorough preparation prior to the DBE procedure should be made for individuals with multiple diseases especially cardiopulmonary disorders.

Jianpi Qingchang Bushen decoction improves inflammatory response and metabolic bone disorder in inflammatory bowel disease-induced bone loss

BACKGROUND Bone loss and osteoporosis are commonly described as extra-intestinal manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).Jianpi Qingchang Bushen decoction(JQBD)is a prescription used in clinical practice.However,further studies are needed to determine whether JQBD regulates the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB)(RANK)/receptor activator of NF-κB ligand(RANKL)/osteoprotegerin(OPG)pathways and could play a role in treating IBD-induced bone loss.AIM To evaluate the therapeutic effect of JQBD in IBD-induced bone loss and explore the underlying mechanisms.METHODS An IBD-induced bone loss model was constructed by feeding 126-to-8-wk-old interleukin-10(IL-10)-knockout mice with piroxicam for 10 d.The mice were randomly divided into model and JQBD groups.We used wild-type mice as a control.The JQBD group was administered the JQBD suspension for 2 wk by gavage,while the control and model groups were given normal saline at the corresponding time points.All mice were killed after the intervention.The effect of JQBD on body weight,disease activity index(DAI),and colon length was analyzed.Histopathological examination,colon ultrastructure observation,and micro-computed tomographic scanning of the lumbar vertebrae were performed.The gene expression of NF-κB,tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),IL-1β,IL-6,and IL-8 in the colon was evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction.Colon samples were assessed by Western blot for the expression of RANKL,OPG,RANK,and NF-κB proteins.RESULTS The model group lost body weight,had a shorter colon,and showed a dramatic increase in DAI score,whereas JQBD had protective and therapeutic effects.Treatment with JQBD significantly improved inflammatory cell infiltration and reduced crypt abscess and ulcer formation.Threedimensional imaging of the vertebral centrum in the model group revealed a lower bone mass,loose trabeculae,and“rod-shaped”changes in the structure compared to the control group and JQBD groups.The bone volume/total volume ratio and bone mineral density were significantly lower in the model group than in the control group.JQBD intervention downregulated the NF-κB,TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,and IL-8 m RNA expression levels.The RANKL and OPG protein levels were also improved.CONCLUSION JQBD reduces inflammation of the colonic mucosa and inhibits activation of the RANK/RANKL/OPG signaling pathway,thereby reducing osteoclast activation and bone resorption and improving bone metabolism.

The neuroprotective role of Panax notoginseng saponins in APP/PS1 transgenic mice through the modulation of cerebrovascular

Background:Panax notoginseng saponins(PNS)is extracted from Sanqi(Panax notoginseng),which is a valuable herb and has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases and pain.PNS has been proved to promote blood circulation and angiogenesis by inhibiting platelet aggregation.In our previous study,PNS accompanied with geniposide can prevent Alzheimer’s disease(AD).However,the efficacy of PNS and its potential mechanism in AD remain unclear.Methods:Amyloid precursor protein/presenilin-1(APP/PS1)transgenic(Tg)mice were used as AD-like animal models.Wild-type mice and APP/PS1 transgenic were administrated with saline solution while mice in PNS treatment group were administrated with PNS at a dosage of 17 mg/kg/day for three months.Morris water maze(MWM)was applied to evaluate the spatial learning and memory and step-down test was used to evaluate the cognitive function.1%Thioflavin-S staining was used to calculate the average number amyloid plaques in cortex and hippocampus.CD31 staining was detected to observe the density of cerebrovascular in hippocampus areas and CD105 staining was further detected to evaluate angiogenesis.Laser Doppler PeriFlux 5000 was further measured the change of cerebrovascular blood flow.ChemDraw was used to draw the molecular structures of five main ingredients of PNS.AlzPlatform were used to estimate the potential targets of PNS.Results:By a bench of behavioral tests,PNS showed a better tendency in proving cognitive functions.In addition,the amyloid plaques in both cortex and hippocampus were significantly reduced after PNS intervention(P<0.05 and P<0.001 respectively).Furthermore,the density of cerebrovascular in the hippocampus areas was increased under PNS administration(P<0.001),which accompanied with angiogenesis in dentate gyrus areas and cerebrovascular blood flow promotion(P<0.05).By AlzPlatform docking serve,we screened five major ingredients of PNS-R1,Rd,Rb1,Re and Rg1.These screening data suggested that vascular related proteins could be the one of potential targets of PNS,such as platelet activating factor receptor and vasopressin V1a receptor.Conclusion:By modulating cerebrovascular function,PNS can reduce the deposition of amyloid plaques and exhibit the role of neuroprotection in a preventive strategy.

Clinicopathological features and expression of regulatory mechanism of the Wnt signaling pathway in colorectal sessile serrated adenomas/polyps with different syndrome types

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)is the third most common cancer worldwide,with the fourth highest mortality among all cancers.Reportedly,in addition to adenomas,serrated polyps,which account for 15%-30%of CRCs,can also develop into CRCs through the serrated pathway.Sessile serrated adenomas/polyps(SSAs/Ps),a type of serrated polyps,are easily misdiagnosed during endoscopy.AIM To observe the difference in the Wnt signaling pathway expression in SSAs/Ps patients with different syndrome types.METHODS From January 2021 to December 2021,patients with SSAs/Ps were recruited from the Endoscopy Room of Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine-Integrated Hospital,affiliated with Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.Thirty cases each of large intestine damp-heat(Da-Chang-Shi-Re,DCSR)syndrome and spleen-stomach weakness(Pi-Wei-Xu-Ruo)syndrome were reported.Baseline comparison of the general data,typical tongue coating,colonoscopy findings,and hematoxylin and eosin findings was performed in each group.The expression of the Wnt pathway-related proteins,namelyβ-catenin,adenomatous polyposis coli,and mutated in colorectal cancer,were analyzed using immunohistochemistry.RESULTS Significant differences were observed with respect to the SSAs/Ps size between the two groups of patients with different syndrome types(P=0.001).The other aspects did not differ between the two groups.The Wnt signaling pathway was activated in patients with SSAs/Ps belonging to both groups,which was manifested asβ-catenin protein translocation into the nucleus.However,SSAs/Ps patients with DCSR syndrome had more nucleation,higherβ-catenin expression,and negative regulatory factor(adenomatous polyposis coli and mutated in colorectal cancer)expression(P<0.0001)than SSA/P patients with Pi-Wei-Xu-Ruo syndrome.In addition,the SSA/P size was linearly correlated with the related protein expression.CONCLUSION Patients with DCSR syndrome had a more obvious Wnt signaling pathway activation and a higher risk of carcinogenesis.A high-quality colonoscopic diagnosis was essential.The thorough assessment of clinical diseases can be improved by combining the diseases of Western medicine with the syndromes of traditional Chinese medicine.