Diabetic cardiomyopathy:Importance of direct evidence to support the roles of NOD-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome and pyroptosis

Recently,the roles of pyroptosis,a form of cell death induced by activated NODlike receptor protein 3(NLRP3)inflammasome,in the pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy(DCM)have been extensively investigated.However,most studies have focused mainly on whether diabetes increases the NLRP3 inflammasome and associated pyroptosis in the heart of type 1 or type 2 diabetic rodent models,and whether various medications and natural products prevent the development of DCM,associated with decreased levels of cardiac NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptosis.The direct link of NLRP3 inflammasome and associated pyroptosis to the pathogenesis of DCM remains unclear based on the limited evidence derived from the available studies,with the approaches of NLRP3 gene silencing or pharmaceutical application of NLRP3 specific inhibitors.We thus emphasize the requirement for more systematic studies that are designed to provide direct evidence to support the link,given that several studies have provided both direct and indirect evidence under specific conditions.This editorial emphasizes that the current investigation should be circumspect in its conclusion,i.e.,not overemphasizing its role in the pathogenesis of DCM with the fact of only significantly increased expression or activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptosis in the heart of diabetic rodent models.Only clear-cut evidence-based causative roles of NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptosis in the pathogenesis of DCM can help to develop effective and safe medications for the clinical management of DCM,targeting these biomarkers.

Effects of Tuina on Obesity-Induced Insulin Resistance and Cognitive Dysfunction

This paper discusses the mechanism of insulin resistance in obesity from the research progress of Chinese and Western medicine and its oxidative stress,inflammatory reaction and abnormal lipid metabolism in cognitive dysfunction.It also reviews the research progress of massage,one of the external treatment methods of traditional Chinese medicine,in the treatment of insulin resistance and cognitive dysfunction in obesity,in order to provide more new ideas and new ways for clinical diagnosis and treatment of insulin resistance and related cognitive dysfunction caused by obesity.

Enhanced nitrite electroreduction to ammonia via interfacial dual-site adsorption

The nitrite(NO_(2)^(−))to ammonia(NH3)electroreduction reaction(NO_(2)^(−)RR)would be impeded by sluggish proton-coupled electron transfer kinetics and competitive hydrogen evolution reaction(HER).A key to improving the NH_(3) selectivity is to facilitate adsorption and activation of NO_(2)^(−),which is generally undesirable in unitary species.In this work,an efficient NO_(2)^(−)RR catalyst is constructed by cooperating Pd with In2O3,in which NO_(2)^(−)could adsorb on interfacial dual-site through“Pd–N–O–In”linkage,leading to strengthened NO_(2)^(−)adsorption and easier N=O bond cleavage than that on unitary Pd or In2O3.Moreover,the Pd/In_(2)O_(3)composite exhibits moderate H^(*)adsorption,which may facilitate protonation kinetics while inhibiting competitive HER.As a result,it exhibits a fairly high NH_(3)yield rate of 622.76 mmol h^(−1)g^(−1)cat with a Faradaic efficiency(FE)of 95.72%,good selectivity of 91.96%,and cycling stability towards the NO_(2)^(−)RR,surpassing unitary In_(2)O_(3)and Pd/C electrocatalysts.Besides,computed results indicate that NH_(3)production on Pd/In_(2)O_(3)follows the deoxidation to hydrogenation pathway.This work highlights the significance of H^(*)and NO_(2)^(−)adsorption modulation and N=O activation in NO_(2)^(−)RR electrochemistry by creating synergy between a mediocre catalyst with an appropriate cooperator.

Combination of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation with transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma: observation of clinical effects

Objective： To observe the clinical effect of radiofrequency ablation （RFA） combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization （TACE） for advanced hepatocellnlar carcinoma （HCC）. Methods： A total of 92 eases of advanced primary liver cancer underwent TACE and RFA treatment from June 2005 to 2011 at the Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College. A total of 88 cases with complete clinical treatment and follow-up data were divided into two groups： 43 patients treated with TACE （TACE group） and 45 patients that received TACE combined with RFA treatment （TACE ＋ RFA group）. After clinical data assessment, tumor size and survival status were not significantly different between the groups as determined by stratified analysis. Results： Before and after surgery, spiral CT radiography and color comparison observed ablation conditions. The tumor necrosis rates after treatment （CR ＋ PR） were 67.4% （29/43） and 91.1% （41/45） for the TACE and combined treatment groups, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant （P〈0.05）. The quality of life was significantly improved for patients undergoing TACE ~ RFA compared with the control group. Survival duration was not significantly different in patients undergoing TACE ~ RFA compared with the control group. Conclusions： In this study, the effect of RFA combined with TACE treatment was better than TACE alone in treating advanced HCC.

Mechanical properties and damage characteristics of solidified body-coal combination in continuous driving and gangue backfilling

Recovery of the coal buried under buildings,railways and water bodies and the residual coal in irregularly arranged fully mechanized mining faces is a common engineering problem facing underground coal mining.In this study,a mining technology of continuous driving and gangue backfilling(CDGB)was proposed.The technology,which can not only alleviate ground subsidence and gangue discharge,but also release the above-mentioned coals,contributes to green and efficient sustainable development of mining.The stability of the system of the solidified body-reserved coal pillar combination(S-C combination)is crucial to the CDGB technology.Therefore,it is of great significance to explore the mechanical and damage characteristics of S-C combination in the synergistic bearing process.First,four sets of differentshaped S-C combination specimens were fabricated and a S-C combination bearing structure in CDGB was constructed to explore the differences in mechanical characteristics and damage modes of different-shaped S-C combination specimens during CDGB.Subsequently,their surface strain field evolutions and acoustic emission(AE)response characteristics in the load-bearing process were obtained with the aid of the digital image correlation technique and the AE signal monitoring system.Furthermore,a damage evolution model based on AE parameters and mechanical parameters was established to clarify the damage evolution law.The following results were obtained:(1)The free area of S-C combination can serve as a quantitative index to evaluate the stability of the overburden control system;(2)The concept of critical value k of the free area was first proposed.When the free area exceeds the critical value k(free area ratio greater than 1.13),the deformation resistance and the free area changes becomes negatively correlated;(3)As the free area expands,the failure of the S-C combination specimen evolves from tensile failure to shear failure.The distribution characteristics of the axial strain field also verified such a change in the failure mode;(4)When the free area expands,the peak AE count gradually changes from“double peaks”to“a single peak”.In this process,the expansion of free area shortens the time for accumulating and releasing energy during loading.Micro cracks generated in the specimen change from a phased steep growth to a continuous increase,and the process in which micro cracks develop,converge,intersect and connect to form macro cracks accelerates.The damage evolution law concluded based on AE parameters and mechanical parameters can well characterize the damage evolution process of S-C combination,providing certain reference for the study on the synergistic bearing of S-C combination during CDGB.

Quasi-coherent mode in core plasma of SUNIST spherical tokamak

A quasi-coherent(QC)mode was observed in the core region of low-density ohmic plasmas in Sino-UNIted Spherical Tokamak.In experiments on the QC mode,two sets of moveable Langmuir probes(LPs)were used to measure the local parameters including floating potential,electron temperature,electron density,and so on,as well as their profiles.To monitor the magnetohydrodynamic activities,a Mirnov probe was used to measure the poloidal magnetic fluctuation.The QC mode can be seen in the spectra of floating potential,but there is no similar peak in the spectra of magnetic fluctuation.Thus,the QC mode is probably electrostatic.By analyzing the electrostatic potential fluctuations from the LPs,the features of the QC mode including frequency,wavenumber,propagation direction,and dependence on collisionality are identified,which are consistent with the characteristics of dissipative trapped electron mode.

Effect of Acupressure Therapy on Anti-inflammatory Mechanism in Obesity-induced IR Rats

[Objectives] To study the effect of "acupressure therapy" on anti-inflammatory mechanism in obesity-induced IR rats. [Methods] 10 rats were randomly selected and fed with normal diet as blank group, and the remaining 30 rats were fed with high-fat diet for 8 weeks. The obesity-induced IR model was induced and divided into two groups: model group and acupressure group. The acupressure group was treated by "acupressure therapy" three times a week for 6 weeks;the model group was taken 3 times at the same time every week, and the supine binding experiment lasted for 10 min for 6 weeks. Morphological observation was carried out before and after the experiment, mainly observing the general conditions and body weight. After the last intervention, the animals were killed and samples were collected. Western Blot method was used to detect the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 protein in adipose tissue of the three groups. [Results] Compared with the blank group, the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 protein in adipose tissue of the model group increased significantly ( P <0.01);compared with the model group, the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 protein in adipose tissue of the acupressure group decreased significantly ( P <0.01). [Conclusions] After intervening in the obesity-induced IR rats with acupressure method, the status of insulin resistance in obese rats was improved by inhibiting the expression of inflammatory factors.

Integration of Excellent Chinese Traditional Culture into the Training and Education of Acupuncture and Massage Professionals

By reflecting on the current situation of the integration of excellent Chinese traditional culture into the training of acupuncture and massage professionals,this paper aims to carry out the research on the integration of excellent Chinese traditional culture into the training and education of acupuncture and massage.The specific implementation path includes early investigation and analysis,establishment of research objectives,formulation of teaching strategies,means and methods,empirical research on the process of teaching practice,teaching measurement and evaluation,and so on.Finally,it summarizes the connotation of the integration of excellent Chinese traditional culture into the training of acupuncture and massage professionals,in order to provide new ideas and methods for the integration of excellent Chinese traditional culture into the training and education of acupuncture and massage professionals.

木薯渣/聚琥珀酸丁二酯复合材料的制备与表征

目的通过木薯渣与聚琥珀酸丁二酯的复合,以期制备可降解的并保持优良力学性能的木薯渣/聚琥珀酸丁二酯复合材料,促进木薯渣的回收再利用,替代传统塑料制品。方法采用生物质材料木薯渣,与聚琥珀酸丁二酯制备生物复合材料。通过傅里叶红外光谱仪、力学性能检测、扫描电镜和热重分析仪,分别研究所添加的生物质材料的粒径及添加量对复合材料的表观结构、微观结构、力学性能等的影响。结果10 MPa热压压力下所制备复合材料的拉伸及弯曲强度达到峰值,分别为16.96,32.53 MPa,相比于4 MPa热压压力,材料的拉伸强度和弯曲强度分别提高了69.77%,148.7%。结论在适宜的加工条件下加入一定量木薯渣,并不影响材料的综合性能,且能大幅提高木薯渣/聚琥珀酸丁二酯的降解性能。实现了农业废弃资源的回收再利用,提高了农作物附加价值,降低了复合材料的生产成本,并能促进生物质可降解复合材料的产业化,在可生物降解包装领域具有广阔的发展前景。

硫酸水解辅助高压均质法制备小麦秸秆纳米纤维素

以小麦秸秆纤维素为原料,通过硫酸水解辅助高压均质的方法,分层制备小麦秸秆纳米纤维素(CNC);分别采用马尔文纳米粒度分析仪、透射电子显微镜、原子力显微镜、傅里叶变换红外光谱仪、X射线衍射仪和热重分析仪对分层制备的小麦秸秆CNC进行表征分析。结果表明,经硫酸水解预处理、离心收集得到的上层清液纳米纤维素(CNC-SL)为纳米纤维素晶须,与原料相比,其结晶度由48.61%提高至71.87%;硫酸水解预处理、离心收集的残余纤维固体(CNC-S)经8次均质处理制备的纳米纤维素(CNCSP),其粒径分布在100~200 nm,直径约为15 nm,为高结晶度的短棒状纳米纤维素晶须,晶型为Iβ型。与原料相比,CNC-SL和CNCSP的热稳定性均下降。与硫酸水解法制备CNC相比,硫酸水解辅助高压均质法制备的CNC得率较高;与机械均质化方法相比,此方法所需均质次数明显减少。

木薯膳食纤维可食性包装膜制备与性能研究

目的制备一种以木薯渣为原料的可食性包装纸膜,并检测其综合性能,以期制备出低成本、性能优异且绿色环保的包装纸膜。方法采用物理-酶解法提取膳食纤维,然后加入复合增稠剂、增塑剂等试剂,经脱气、铸膜、干燥成型得到环保型可食性包装膜成品,再通过力学性能检测、厚度测量、透湿度测定对薄膜性能进行表征分析。结果在实验条件下,当膳食纤维与蒸馏水的料液比(质量比)为1∶25,复合增稠剂(羧甲基纤维素钠与海藻酸钠的质量比为62∶38)的质量占膳食纤维溶液质量的3%,甘油的质量占膳食纤维溶液质量的1.6%,蜂蜡的质量占膳食纤维溶液质量的0.6%时,薄膜的性能最好,薄膜的拉伸强度和水蒸气透过系数分别为5.19MPa,0.712g·mm/(m^2·d·kPa)。结论低成本的木薯渣可制备出性能良好的可食性包装膜,可以减少环境污染,节约资源,并促进资源循环利用。

Effect of phosphorylation of MAPK and Stat3 and expression of c-fos and c-jun proteins on hepatocarcinogenesis and their clinical significance

AIM To study the effect of phosphorylation ofMAPK and Stat3 and the expression of c-fos andc-jun proteins on hepatocellular carcinogenesisand their clinical significance.METHODS SP immunohistochemistry was usedto detect the expression of p42/44MAPK, p-Stat3,c-fos and c-jun proteins in 55 hepatocellularcarcinomas (HCC) and their surrounding livertissues.RESULTS The positive rates and expressionlevels of p42/44MAPK, p-Stat3, c-fos and c-junproteins in HCCs were significantly higher thanthose in pericarcinomatous liver tissues (PCLT).A positive correlation was observed between theexpression of p42/44MAPK and c-fos proteins, andbetween p-Stat3 and c-jun, but there was nosignificant correlation between p42/44MAPK and p-Stat3 in HCCs and their surrounding livertissues.CONCLUSION The abnormalities of Ras/Rat/MAPK and JAKs/ Stat3 cascade reaction maycontribute to malignant transformation ofhepatocytes. Hepatocytes which are positive forp42/ 44MAPK, c-fos or c-jun proteins may bepotential malignant pre-cancerous cells.Activation of MAPK and Stat3 proteins may be anearly event in hepatocellular carcinogenesis.

Green tea polyphenols ameliorate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease through upregulating AMPK activation in high fat fed Zucker fatty rats

AIM To investigate protective effects and molecular mechanisms of green tea polyphenols(GTP) on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) in Zucker fatty(ZF) rats.METHODS Male ZF rats were fed a high-fat diet(HFD) for 2 wk then treated with GTP(200 mg/kg) or saline(5 m L/kg) for 8 wk, with Zucker lean rat as their control. At the end of experiment, serum and liver tissue were collected for measurement of metabolic parameters, alanine aminotransferase(ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase(AST), inflammatory cytokines and hepatic triglyceride and liver histology. Immunoblotting was used to detect phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK) acetyl-Co A carboxylase(ACC), and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c(SREBP1c). RESULTS Genetically obese ZF rats on a HFD presented with metabolic features of hepatic pathological changes comparable to human with NAFLD. GTP intervention decreased weight gain(10.1%, P = 0.052) and significantly lowered visceral fat(31.0%, P < 0.01). Compared with ZF-controls, GTP treatment significantly reduced fasting serum insulin, glucose and lipids levels. Reduction in serum ALT and AST levels(both P < 0.01) were observed in GTP-treated ZF rats. GTP treatment also attenuated the elevated TNFα and IL-6 in the circulation. The increased hepatic TG accumulation and cytoplasmic lipid droplet were attenuated by GTP treatment, associated with significantly increased expression of AMPK-Thr172(P < 0.05) and phosphorylated ACC and SREBP1c(both P < 0.05), indicating diminished hepatic lipogenesis and triglycerides out flux from liver in GTP treated rats. CONCLUSION The protective effects of GTP against HFD-induced NAFLD in genetically obese ZF rats are positively correlated to reduction in hepatic lipogenesis through upregulating the AMPK pathway.

Genetic variability of CYP2B6 polymorphisms in four southern Chinese populations

AIM： To investigate the genotype and allelic frequencies of Cytochrome P450 2B6 polymorphisms in four southern Chinese populations.METHODS： DNA was obtained from blood samples from Han Chinese from Hong Kong and three minority groups,the Wa, Bulang and Lahu from Yunnan in southern China. Genotyping was performed using real-time PCR and confirmed by direct sequencing.RESULTS： A total of 507 subjects from southern China were studied. Results showed there is a high prevalence of 516G 〉 T （34.5%） in ethnic Chinese compared to literature reports on other Asian populations and Caucasians. The frequency of the 516TT genotype is higher in the Hah majority （23.1%） than in three other ethnic minority groups （i.e., 7.4%, 9.1% and 15.8%） in southern China.CONCLUSION： This was the first study to document the spectrum of CYP2B6 allelic variants and genotypes in a southern Chinese population. The 516G 〉 T allele is associated with a defective metabolism of efavirenz （EFV）, which therefore may predispose to drug toxicity.Treatment regimens for human immunodeficiency virus （HIV） and heroin addiction may need to be optimized in different populations because of the marked variability of the key metabolizing enzyme.

Optimization of food deprivation and sucrose preference test in SD rat model undergoing chronic unpredictable mild stress

Background:The chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)model has long been considered the best model for exploring the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying depression.However,there are no widely recognised standards for strategies for modeling and for behavioral testing.The present study aimed to optimize the protocols for food deprivation and the sucrose preference test(SPT)for the CUMS model.Methods:We first evaluated the effects of different long periods of food deprivation on the body weight of Sprague Dawley(SD)rats by testing food deprivation for 24 hours(8:00-8:00^+),food deprivation for 12 hours during the daytime(8:00-20:00)and food deprivation for 12 hours at night(20:00-8:00^+).Next,we established a SD rat CUMS model with 15 different stimulations,and used body weight measurement,SPT,forced swim test(FST),open field test(OFT)and Morris water maze(MWM)test to verify the success of the modeling.In the SPT,consumption of sucrose and pure water within 1 and 12 hours was measured.Results:Twelve hours of food deprivation during the daytime(8:00-20:00)had no effect on body weight,while 12 hours of food deprivation at night(20:00-8:00^+)and 24 hours of food deprivation(8:00-8:00^+)significantly reduced the mean body weight of the SD rats.When SPT was used to verify the successful establishment of the CUMS rat model,sucrose consumption measured within 12 hours was less variable than that measured within 1 hour.Conclusions:Twelve hours of food deprivation in the daytime(8:00-20:00)may be considered a mild stimulus for the establishment of a CUMS rat model.Measuring sucrose consumption over 12 hours is recommended for SPT.

Grain refinement of primary silicon in hypereutectic Al-Si alloys by different P-containing compounds

The grain refinement behavior of Si-3 P,Si-25 Mn-10 P,and Al-10 Si-2 Fe-3 P master alloys on hypereutectic Al-24 Si alloy was studied.Microstructure analysis indicates that the P-containing compounds in the three master alloys are Si P,Mn P,and Al P,respectively.The coarse flower-like primary silicon in the Al-24 Si alloy transforms into smaller,well-distributed blocks with the addition of various master alloys.When pouring at 840°C,the average grain size of the primary silicon refined by Si-25 Mn-10 P master alloy with a holding time of 30 min is about 18μm,which is significantly smaller than those refined by Si-3 P and Al-10 Si-2 Fe-3 P master alloys.The grain size shows an increasing trend when the holding time is further prolonged.Higher holding temperature has a positive effect on the grain refinement of Si-25 Mn-10 P master alloy.The grain refinement mechanism of the three master alloys was also discussed.

Effect of jasmonate treatments on leaves of Rosa rugosa‘Plena’and detoxification enzymes and feeding of adult Monolepta hieroglyphica

To study the effect of jasmonates(JAs)on the resistance of economic forest plants to insects,R osa rugosa‘Plena'leaves were treated with 1 mmol/L jasmonic acid(JA),methyl jasmonate(MeJA)and Z-jasmone,then the content of tannin and total phenol in leaves and the feeding area of Monolepta hieroglyphica adults on leaves were measured.Changes in the activities of detoxification enzymes in adult M.hieroglyphica that had fed on leaves treated with JAs were also studied.Tannin and total phenol levels in leaves increased significantly after treatment with JAs,and tannin level was 1.36–1.55-fold higher than in the control after treatment with 1 mmol/L MeJA.The total content of phenol in leaves treated with 1.0 mmol/L Z-jasmone increased by 1.33–2.20-fold compared with those of the control.The activities of detoxification enzymes in adults were inhibited to differing degrees:activity of alkaline phosphatase(AKP)first increased,then decreased;the activities of acid phosphatase(ACP),glutathione S-transferases(GSTs)and carboxylesterase(CarE)following treatment with 1 mmol/L MeJA were significantly reduced and were 22%–31%,11%–26%,and 11%–31%lower than those of the control,respectively.Moreover,the feeding area of adult M.hieroglyphica on the leaves treated with JAs was significantly reduced(P<0.05).The feeding area of economic forest R.rugosa‘Plena'leaves treated with 1 mmol/L MeJA decreased by 17%–43%compared with that of the control.Moreover,the decrease in the adult M.hieroglyphica feeding area was highly positively correlated with the content of tannin and positively correlated with the contents of total phenol of economic forest R.rugosa‘Plena'leaves.The reduced feeding area of adult M.hieroglyphica was highly negatively correlated with the activities of AKP and ACP and negatively correlated with those of the GSTs.In conclusion,the use of 1 mmol/L MeJA can noticeably decrease the deleterious effects of adult M.hieroglyphica.

Expression of TRAIL in Mouse Uterine Endometrium during Embryo Implantation

Objective To investigate the expression of TRAIL in mouse uterine endometrium during embryo implantation and its role in the apoptosis of decidual cells. Methods Expression of TRAIL in uterine endometrium of pregnant mouse from d 1 to d 8 was detected with RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Results The expressed level of TRAIL mRNA in uterine endometrium of pregnant mouse from d 1 to d 8 was higher during embryo implantation than that prior to embryo implantation （P〈0.05）. No expression of TRAIL protein in mouse utrine endometrium was detected through d 1 to d 3. However, TRAIL protein was found in the luminal epithelial cells to which embryos attached on d 4. Moreover, TRAIL was expressed solely in decidual cells around invadting embryos through d 5 to d 6 while in trophoblastic cells adjacent to decidua through d 7 to d 8. Conclusion Apoptosis of luminal epithelial cells of endometrium induced by TRAIL could be one of mechanisms with which embryos penertrated the epithelial barrier, and apoptosis of both decidual cells and trophoblastic cells induced by TRAIL may play an important role during accruate invasion of trophoblastic cells.

妊娠中期贫血对新生儿体格发育指标的影响分析

目的研究妊娠中期贫血对新生儿体格发育指标的影响。方法选取2019年1月—2019年10月在本院分娩的单胎无其它并发症及合并症的产妇382例作为研究对象,入院待产时回顾性收集妊娠中期血常规结果,分娩后立即测量新生儿出生体重和身长,并计算体质指数。所有数据采用SPSS软件进行统计学分析。结果贫血组孕妇所分娩新生儿的体重(2730.47±183.94 g vs 3366.78±306.98 g)、身长(48.49±1.39 cm vs 50.64±1.37 cm)以及出生孕周(38.56±1.35周vs 39.38±0.98周)均小于对照组(均P<0.05),而两组的体质指数(BMI)无统计学差异(20.99±4.64 kg/m^(2) vs 20.98±4.52 kg/m^(2),P>0.05)。贫血孕妇早产及低体重儿的发生率均高于正常孕妇(均为10.59%vs 0%,P<0.05)。妊娠中期血红蛋白水平与出生体重及身长均存在正相关(r值分别为0.331和0.377,均P<0.05)。结论妊娠中期贫血是早产和低出生体重儿的危险因素,新生儿出生体重和身长与母体血红蛋白浓度存在正相关。

Endocannabinoid Signaling in Modulating Periimplantation Events

Cannabinoids have long been suspected associating with abnormal fetal growth and outcome. However, the molecular mechanisms in which they are involved had long been obscure for several decades. Only recently, after the identification of two types of cannabinoid receptors （CB1-R and CB2-R） and the following discoveries of their corresponding endogenous ligands, the mystery behind those seemingly facts began gradually unveiled. Through a series of landmark research, it is now indicated that the endocannabinoid signaling via the ligand-receptor interaction plays an important role in modulating early development of preimplantation embryo and synchronizing embryo development with uterine receptivity for implantation. Current data suggest that the physiological functions their metabolic pathways are potentially very of endocannabinoid signaling as well as exited areas to be explored further. This review will first introduce the reproductive functions of endocannabinoid signaling from epidemiological and molecular background, then focus on its reciprocal interactions between the embryo and maternal tissues, as well as related metabolic aspects in regards to implantation. It is hoped that further investigation of this physiologically fundamental signaling will generate more exciting information elucidating the complexity of implantation thus lead to a better control of human reproduction.