Shizhenqing granule stimulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and reduces serum pro-inflammatory factors in a rat model with chronic eczema

Objective:In this study,we examined the effects of Shizhenqing granule(SZQG)on hypothalamicpituitary-adrenal(HPA)axis and serum inflammatory factors in a rat model of chronic eczema,in order to explore the mechanism of action of SZQG in treatment of this disease.Methods:Sixty SpragueeDawley male rats were randomly divided into six groups(with 10 rats per group):blank group;model group;positive control group(prednisone);and the low-,medium-,and high-dose SZQG groups.Except for the blank group,rats in all other groups were treated with 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene to induce chronic eczema.These rats were administered prednisone or SZQG for 7 consecutive days after successful establishment of the chronic eczema model,and samples were collected 12 h after the last administration.The degree of skin lesions and the changes in serum levels of corticotropin-releasing hormone(CRH),adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH),cortisol(CORT),interleukin(IL)-4,interferon(IFN)-g,IL-25,and IL-31 among the groups were compared.Results:SZQG effectively increased the levels of CRH,ACTH,and CORT,which decreased in the serum of rats with chronic eczema,stimulated the function of the HPA axis,and promoted the expression of glucocorticoids.SZQG reduced the serum levels of inflammatory factors including IL-4,IL-25 and IL-31,which were overexpressed in rats with chronic eczema,and increased those of anti-inflammatory factor IFN-g,thereby alleviating the inflammatory symptoms and itching,and ameliorating the clinical symptoms of chronic eczema.Conclusion:SZQG effectively alleviates skin lesions in the chronic eczema rat model by stimulating the function of the HPA axis.

Seasonal photoperiodic influence of pineal melatonin on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis-hippocampal-receptor in male rats

Background: Based on the effect of seasonal changes on human visceral function, this study investigated the impact of seasonal photoperiod of the pineal body on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis-hippocampal-receptor in rats, aiming to reveal the mechanism by which pineal gland melatonin regulates the seasonal secretion of hippocampal neurotransmitters.Methods: Vernal equinox, summer solstice, autumn equinox, and winter solstice were selected as four experimental time points, and rats were randomly divided into normal control group, sham operation group, and pinealectomized group. The seasonal changes in corticotropin-releasing hormone(CRH),adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH), corticosterone, hypothalamic melatonin receptor(MTR), and hippocampal corticosterone receptor(CORTR) were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results: Comparing the same group between different seasons, we showed that in the normal control group, CRH, ACTH, corticosterone, and MTR were higher, while CORTR was lower in autumn and winter than in spring(all P <.05). Compared with the normal control group, the pinealectomized group showed higher levels of corticosterone(P =.01), MTR(P =.01), and CORTR(P =.03) during spring;reduced levels of MTR and CORTR(both P <.001) during summer;higher levels of ACTH(P =.001) and MTR(P <.001),and lower levels of CRH(P =.001), corticosterone(P <.001), and CORTR(P =.003) during autumn;and lower levels of CRH(P <.001) and MTR(P =.004), and higher level of ACTH(P <.001) in winter.Conclusions: Seasonal photoperiod acts on the pineal gland to secrete different levels of melatonin,resulting in seasonal changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis-hippocampal-receptor, which may be the pathophysiological basis for the onset of seasonal affective disorder.

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hyperactivity accounts for anxiety-and depression-like behaviors in rats perinatally exposed to bisphenol A

Accumulating studies have proved that perinatal exposure to environmental dose causes long-term potentiation in anxiety/depression-related behaviors in rats.Hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal(HPA) axis is one of the most consistent biological findings in anxiety- and depression-related disorders.The HPA axis is reported to be susceptible to developmental reprogramming.The present study focused on HPA reactivity in postnatal day(PND) 80 male rats exposed perinatally to environmental-dose BPA.When female breeders were orally administered 2 μg/(kg.day) BPA from gestation day 10 to lactation day 7,their offspring(PND 80 BPA-exposed rats)showed obvious anxiety/depression-like behaviors.Notably,significant increase in serum corticosterone and adrenocorticotropin,and corticotropin-releasing hormone mRNA were detected in BPA-exposed rats before or after the mild stressor.Additionally,the level of glucocorticoid receptor mRNA in the hippocampus,but not the hypothalamus,was decreased in BPA-exposed rats.The levels of hippocampal mineralocorticoid receptor mRNA,neuronal nitric oxide synthase and phosphorylated cAMP response element binding protein were increased in BPA-exposed rats.In addition,the testosterone level was in BPA-exposed rats.The results indicate that reprogramming-induced hyperactivity of the HPA axis is an important link between perinatal BPA exposure and persistent potentiation in anxiety and depression.

The total flavonoids extracted from Xiaobuxin Tang reverse the hyperactivity of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in chronically stressed rats

Objective To investigate the effect of XBXT-2 on the activity of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal(HPA)axis in chronic mild stress(CMS)model of rats.Methods Using ELISA to test the serum corticosterone,adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH)and corticotropin-releasing hormone(CRH)level in CMS rats;Using western blot to determine hippocampal glucocorticoids receptors(GR)expression in CMS rats.Results Co-administration of XBXT-2(25,50 mg·kg-1,p.o.,28 days,the effective doses for behavioral responses)significantly decreased the serum corticosterone and ACTH level in CMS rats,while the CRH level was not markedly affected by chronic stress or drugs.Moreover,XBXT-2 significantly increased the GR expression in the hippocampus of CMS rats.The same effects were observed in the positive control drug imipramine(10 mg·kg-1,p.o.).Conclusions The decrease of serum corticosterone and ACTH level,as well as the increase of hippocampal GR expression may be the mechanisms underlying the antidepressant action of XBXT-2,which may associate with HPA axis.

Individual Differences in Stress Responsiveness of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis and Its Vasopressinergic Regulation in Old Monkeys

Stress adaptation is fundamental for health, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) is one of its main mechanisms. Considerable data indicate that arginine vasopressin (AVP) related disturbances of stress adaptation can occur with aging. However, most studies of such kind have been performed on rodents, give contradictory results and fail to consider individual characteristics of the animals. The purpose of this study was to investigate individual HPA responsiveness to acute stress and its vasopressinergic regulation in old female rhesus monkeys that differ in their behavioral responses to stress. Animals with depression-like or anxiety-like behavior (DAB) responded with higher plasma levels of ACTH and AVP, lower levels of corticosteroids and higher cortisol/DHEAS molar ratios to restraint stress and to insulin-induced hypoglycemia compared with animals with healthy adaptive behavior. AVP and ACTH dynamics were closely correlated in most animals. AVP treatment produced differences in HPA responses similar to those produced by the stressors. The ACTH response to hypoglycemic stress in the DAB animal with highest HPA responsiveness was dramatically reduced by prior administration of a V1b receptor antagonist. These results suggest that the dysfunctions of HPA observed in old animals with DAB are caused by increased tone of the vasopressinergic system in regulation of HPA stress reactivity.

Effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis of patients with depression

Objective: To investigate the effects of sleep electroencephalogram-modulated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (SEM-rTMS) and conventional rTMS (C-rTMS) on the activity of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in patients with depression. Methods: In a double-blind, randomized controlled trial, 164 patients diagnosed with depression were randomized to treatment with SEM-rTMS (n=57), C-rTMS (n=55) or sham rTMS (n=52) for 30 min every day for 10 d. Before and after treatment plasma concentrations of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol (CORT) were measured, and the 24-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-24) was used for assessment. Results: The HAMD-24 scores and plasma ACTH and CORT concentrations of these depressive patients before treatment were significantly different from those of the normal control group (P<0.05). The HAMD-24 scores and plasma ACTH and CORT concentrations in the SEM-r TMS group and conventional rTMS group were decreased significantly (P<0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between the HAMD-24 scores and plasma ACTH (n=240, r=0.105, P=0.048) and CORT concentrations (n=240, r=0.126, P=0.023) in the patients with depression before and after treatment. Conclusion: The antidepressant effect of rTMS, including SEM-rTMS, may be related to its decreasing HPA axis activity. (This trail was registered. No: ChiCTR-TRC-00000465)

Functional changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis after successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Background:Cardiac arrest(CA)is a terminal event that results in a range of pathophysiological changes in the body,most notably,systemic ischemia-reperfusion injury.The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal(HPA)axis is an important neuroendocrine system that modulates adrenocortical hormone release.This study was designed to investigate the changes in HPA-related hormone levels after successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR)and to explore possible etiologies to provide a basis for relevant clinical research.Methods:We collected the clinical data of 96 patients with CA admitted to the Emergency Department of Beijing Chaoyang Hospital,Capital Medical University,between January 2016 and May 2017.Serum samples were collected 6,24,and 72 hours after restoring spontaneous circulation(ROSC).The data were compared with those of the healthy control group(n=50).An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was performed to measure copeptin,adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH),corticotropin-releasing hormone(CRH),and total cortisol.Demographic data were collected for both groups.For the CPR group,clinical data and the end-of-study cerebral performance category(CPC)were analyzed.Patients were followed up through day 28.Death or survival after day 28 was used as the study endpoint.Simple values were expressed as medians and quartiles or ratios(%)for statistical analysis.Continuous variables are expressed as mean±standard deviation.Categorical variables were expressed as frequencies and percentages.The mean values of normally distributed measurement data were analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance(ANOVA)for among-group comparisons and the least significant difference(LSD)test for between-group comparisons.SPSS v17(SPSS,Chicago,IL,USA)was used for statistical analysis,and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results:No significant between-group differences were observed in terms of age or sex.The 28-day mortality rate in the CPR group was 71%.ACTH and CRH levels were significantly lower in the CPR group than in the healthy control group(P<0.001).Copeptin and cortisol levels 6 hours after ROSC were significantly higher in the CPR group than in the healthy control group(P<0.001).No significant changes in any indicator were observed over time(6,24,and 72 hours after ROSC)(P>0.05).The CPC score was 1–2(good cerebral performance group)in 13 patients,3–4(poor cerebral performance group)in 17 patients,and 5(brain death or clinical death)in 66 patients.Patients with significantly declining ACTH and CRH levels had higher CPC scores(P<0.05);however,no significant differences were found in other indicators(P>0.05).Conclusion:After post-CA ROSC,ischemia-reperfusion injury may cause brain damage and HPA axis damage and dysfunction,the severity of which is associated with CPC score.

Electroacupuncture ameliorates cardiac dysfunction in myocardial ischemia model rats:a potential role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis

OBJECTIVE:To verify the hypothesis that electroacupuncture inhibits the hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal(HPA)axis via regulating the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP)in the hippocampus of acute myocardial ischemia(AMI)rats.METHODS:Sixty-six healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups:Sham,AMI(Model),electroacupuncture at Shenmen(HT7)-Tongli(HT5)segment(EA),non-acupoint electroacupuncture(Control),and Model+corticosterone(Model+CORT).AMI was induced via occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery,followed by 3 d of electroacupuncture at Shenmen(HT7)-Tongli(HT5)segment.In the Control group,electroacupuncture was applied at points lying 5 and 10 mm from the base of the tail.The AMI+CORT group was injected with CORT(20 mg/kg)in saline.Hemorheology,electrocardiography(ECG),hematoxylin and eosin staining,and expression of glycogen phosphorylase BB(GPBB)and heart-type fatty acid-binding protein(H-FABP)were used to assess cardiac function.The effects of adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH)and CORT were evaluated by enzymelinked immunosorbent assay.Protein expression in the Sham and Model groups were screened by tandem mass tag-based quantitative proteomics analysis.Protein expression was evaluated by Western blotting(vimentin and GFAP)and immunofluorescence staining(GFAP).RESULTS:Compared with the Sham group,the hemorheology indicators,heart rate,ECG-ST segment elevation,and GPBB and H-FABP levels were higher in Model rats.The EA group showed reductions in these indicators compared with the Model group.Similarly,in Model rats,the expression of ACTH and CORT were significantly increased compared with the Sham group.The EA group also showed reduced expression of ACTH and CORT.Importantly,proteomics analysis showed that vimentin was differentially expressed in Model rats.Compared with the Sham group,vimentin and GFAP expression in the hippocampus was increased in the Model group but decreased in the AMI+EA group.Additionally,intraperitoneal injection of CORT aggravated the expression of GPBB,H-FABP and GFAP.CONCLUSIONS:Our results suggested that electroacupuncture may protect against cardiac injury induced by AMI through regulation of HPA axis hyperactivity,and that hippocampal GFAP may play an important role in the regulation.

Immune regulation of the gut-brain axis and lung-brain axis involved in ischemic stroke

Local ischemia often causes a series of inflammatory reactions when both brain immune cells and the peripheral immune response are activated.In the human body,the gut and lung are regarded as the key reactional targets that are initiated by brain ischemic attacks.Mucosal microorganisms play an important role in immune regulation and metabolism and affect blood-brain barrier permeability.In addition to the relationship between peripheral organs and central areas and the intestine and lung also interact among each other.Here,we review the molecular and cellular immune mechanisms involved in the pathways of inflammation across the gut-brain axis and lung-brain axis.We found that abnormal intestinal flora,the intestinal microenvironment,lung infection,chronic diseases,and mechanical ventilation can worsen the outcome of ischemic stroke.This review also introduces the influence of the brain on the gut and lungs after stroke,highlighting the bidirectional feedback effect among the gut,lungs,and brain.

In situ calibrated angle between the quantization axis and the propagating direction of the light field for trapping neutral atoms

The recently developed magic-intensity trapping technique of neutral atoms efficiently mitigates the detrimental effect of light shifts on atomic qubits and substantially enhances the coherence time. This technique relies on applying a bias magnetic field precisely parallel to the wave vector of a circularly polarized trapping laser field. However, due to the presence of the vector light shift experienced by the trapped atoms, it is challenging to precisely define a parallel magnetic field, especially at a low bias magnetic field strength, for the magic-intensity trapping of85Rb qubits. In this work, we present a method to calibrate the angle between the bias magnetic field and the trapping laser field with the compensating magnetic fields in the other two directions orthogonal to the bias magnetic field direction. Experimentally, with a constantdepth trap and a fixed bias magnetic field, we measure the respective resonant frequencies of the atomic qubits in a linearly polarized trap and a circularly polarized one via the conventional microwave Rabi spectra with different compensating magnetic fields and obtain the corresponding total magnetic fields via the respective resonant frequencies using the Breit–Rabi formula. With known total magnetic fields, the angle is a function of the other two compensating magnetic fields.Finally, the projection value of the angle on either of the directions orthogonal to the bias magnetic field direction can be reduced to 0(4)° by applying specific compensating magnetic fields. The measurement error is mainly attributed to the fluctuation of atomic temperature. Moreover, it also demonstrates that, even for a small angle, the effect is strong enough to cause large decoherence of Rabi oscillation in a magic-intensity trap. Although the compensation method demonstrated here is explored for the magic-intensity trapping technique, it can be applied to a variety of similar precision measurements with trapped neutral atoms.

Unraveling the gut-brain axis:the impact of steroid hormones and nutrition on Parkinson's disease

This comprehensive review explores the intricate relationship between nutrition,the gut microbiome,steroid hormones,and Parkinson's disease within the context of the gut-brain axis.The gut-brain axis plays a pivotal role in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease,encompassing diverse components such as the gut microbiota,immune system,metabolism,and neural pathways.The gut microbiome,profoundly influenced by dietary factors,emerges as a key player.Nutrition during the first 1000 days of life shapes the gut microbiota composition,influencing immune responses and impacting both child development and adult health.High-fat,high-sugar diets can disrupt this delicate balance,contributing to inflammation and immune dysfunction.Exploring nutritional strategies,the Mediterranean diet's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties show promise in reducing Parkinson's disease risk.Microbiome-targeted dietary approaches and the ketogenic diet hold the potential in improving brain disorders.Beyond nutrition,emerging research uncovers potential interactions between steroid hormones,nutrition,and Parkinson's disease.Progesterone,with its anti-inflammatory properties and presence in the nervous system,offers a novel option for Parkinson's disease therapy.Its ability to enhance neuroprotection within the enteric nervous system presents exciting prospects.The review addresses the hypothesis thatα-synuclein aggregates originate from the gut and may enter the brain via the vagus nerve.Gastrointestinal symptoms preceding motor symptoms support this hypothesis.Dysfunctional gut-brain signaling during gut dysbiosis contributes to inflammation and neurotransmitter imbalances,emphasizing the potential of microbiota-based interventions.In summary,this review uncovers the complex web of interactions between nutrition,the gut microbiome,steroid hormones,and Parkinson's disease within the gut-brain axis framework.Understanding these connections not only offers novel therapeutic insights but also illuminates the origins of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease.

Irisin/BDNF signaling in the muscle-brain axis and circadian system: A review

In mammals,the timing of physiological,biochemical and behavioral processes over a 24-h period is controlled by circadian rhythms.To entrain the master clock located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus to a precise 24-h rhythm,environmental zeitgebers are used by the circadian system.This is done primarily by signals from the retina via the retinohypothalamic tract,but other cues like exercise,feeding,temperature,anxiety,and social events have also been shown to act as non-photic zeitgebers.The recently identified myokine irisin is proposed to serve as an entraining non-photic signal of exercise.Irisin is a product of cleavage and modification from its precursor membrane fibronectin typeⅢdomain-containing protein 5(FNDC5)in response to exercise.Apart from well-known peripheral effects,such as inducing the"browning"of white adipocytes,irisin can penetrate the blood-brain barrier and display the effects on the brain.Experimental data suggest that FNDC5/irisin mediates the positive effects of physical activity on brain functions.In several brain areas,irisin induces the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF).In the master clock,a significant role in gating photic stimuli in the retinohypothalamic synapse for BDNF is suggested.However,the brain receptor for irisin remains unknown.In the current review,the interactions of physical activity and the irisin/BDNF axis with the circadian system are reconceptualized.

Magnesium-L-threonate treats Alzheimer's disease by modulating the microbiota-gut-brain axis

Disturbances in the microbiota-gut-brain axis may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease. Magnesium-L-threonate has recently been found to have protective effects on learning and memory in aged and Alzheimer's disease model mice. However, the effects of magnesium-L-threonate on the gut microbiota in Alzheimer's disease remain unknown. Previously, we reported that magnesium-L-threonate treatment improved cognition and reduced oxidative stress and inflammation in a double-transgenic line of Alzheimer's disease model mice expressing the amyloid-β precursor protein and mutant human presenilin 1(APP/PS1). Here, we performed 16S r RNA amplicon sequencing and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to analyze changes in the microbiome and serum metabolome following magnesium-Lthreonate exposure in a similar mouse model. Magnesium-L-threonate modulated the abundance of three genera in the gut microbiota, decreasing Allobaculum and increasing Bifidobacterium and Turicibacter. We also found that differential metabolites in the magnesiumL-threonate-regulated serum were enriched in various pathways associated with neurodegenerative diseases. The western blotting detection on intestinal tight junction proteins(zona occludens 1, occludin, and claudin-5) showed that magnesium-L-threonate repaired the intestinal barrier dysfunction of APP/PS1 mice. These findings suggest that magnesium-L-threonate may reduce the clinical manifestations of Alzheimer's disease through the microbiota-gut-brain axis in model mice, providing an experimental basis for the clinical treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Elaidic acid-induced intestinal barrier damage led to gut-liver axis derangement and triggered NLRP3 inflammasome in the liver of SD rats

Previous studies have shown that trans fatty acids(TFA) are associated with several chronic diseases,the gut microbiota is directly influenced by dietary components and linked to chronic diseases.Our research investigated the effects of elaidic acid(EA),a typical TFA,on the gut microbiota to understand the underlying mechanisms of TFA-related chronic diseases.16S rDNA gene sequencing on faecal samples from Sprague-Dawley rats were performed to explore the composition change of the gut microbiota by EA gavage for 4 weeks.The results showed that the intake of EA increased the abundance of well-documented harmful bacteria,such as Proteobacteria,Anaerotruncus,Oscillibacter and Desulfovibrionaceae.Plus,EA induced translocation of lipopolysaccharides(LPS) and the above pathogenic bacteria,disrupted the intestinal barrier,led to gut-liver axis derangement and TLR4 pathway activation in the liver.Overall,EA induced intestinal barrier damage and regulated TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB/MAPK pathways in the liver of SD rats,leading to the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and inflammatory liver damage.

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound reduces alveolar bone resorption during orthodontic treatment via Lamin A/C-Yes-associated protein axis in stem cells

BACKGROUND The bone remodeling during orthodontic treatment for malocclusion often requires a long duration of around two to three years,which also may lead to some complications such as alveolar bone resorption or tooth root resorption.Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound(LIPUS),a noninvasive physical therapy,has been shown to promote bone fracture healing.It is also reported that LIPUS could reduce the duration of orthodontic treatment;however,how LIPUS regulates the bone metabolism during the orthodontic treatment process is still unclear.AIM To investigate the effects of LIPUS on bone remodeling in an orthodontic tooth movement(OTM)model and explore the underlying mechanisms.METHODS A rat model of OTM was established,and alveolar bone remodeling and tooth movement rate were evaluated via micro-computed tomography and staining of tissue sections.In vitro,human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(hBMSCs)were isolated to detect their osteogenic differentiation potential under compression and LIPUS stimulation by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction,Western blot,alkaline phosphatase(ALP)staining,and Alizarin red staining.The expression of Yes-associated protein(YAP1),the actin cytoskeleton,and the Lamin A/C nucleoskeleton were detected with or without YAP1 small interfering RNA(siRNA)application via immunofluorescence.RESULTS The force treatment inhibited the osteogenic differentiation potential of hBMSCs;moreover,the expression of osteogenesis markers,such as type 1 collagen(COL1),runt-related transcription factor 2,ALP,and osteocalcin(OCN),decreased.LIPUS could rescue the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs with increased expression of osteogenic marker inhibited by force.Mechanically,the expression of LaminA/C,F-actin,and YAP1 was downregulated after force treatment,which could be rescued by LIPUS.Moreover,the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs increased by LIPUS could be attenuated by YAP siRNA treatment.Consistently,LIPUS increased alveolar bone density and decreased vertical bone absorption in vivo.The decreased expression of COL1,OCN,and YAP1 on the compression side of the alveolar bone was partially rescued by LIPUS.CONCLUSION LIPUS can accelerate tooth movement and reduce alveolar bone resorption by modulating the cytoskeleton-Lamin A/C-YAP axis,which may be a promising strategy to reduce the orthodontic treatment process.

Coupled Time-Domain Investigation on a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Supported on a Floating Platform

The dynamic responses of a floating vertical axis wind turbine(VAWT)are assessed on the basis of an aero-hydro-mooring coupled model.The aerodynamic loads on the rotor are acquired with double-multiple stream tube method.First-and second-order wave loads are calculated on the basis of 3D potential theory.The mooring loads are simulated by catenary theory.The coupled model is established,and a numerical code is programmed to investigate the dynamic response of the semi-submersible VAWT.A model test is then conducted,and the numerical code is validated considering the hydrodynamic performance of the floating buoy.The responses of the floating VAWT are studied through the numerical simulation under the sea states of wind and regular/irregular waves.The effects of the second-order wave force on the motions are also investigated.Results show that the slow-drift responses in surge and pitch motions are significantly excited by the second-order wave forces.Furthermore,the effect of foundation motion on aerodynamic loads is examined.The normal and tangential forces of the blades demonstrate a slight increase due to the coupling effect between the buoy motion and the aerodynamic loads.

Role of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis and therapeutics of minimal hepatic encephalopathy via the gut-liver-brain axis

Minimal hepatic encephalopathy(MHE) is a frequent neurological and psychiatric complication of liver cirrhosis. The precise pathogenesis of MHE is complicated and has yet to be fully elucidated. Studies in cirrhotic patients and experimental animals with MHE have indicated that gut microbiota dysbiosis induces systemic inflammation, hyperammonemia, and endotoxemia, subsequently leading to neuroinflammation in the brain via the gut-liver-brain axis. Related mechanisms initiated by gut microbiota dysbiosis have significant roles in MHE pathogenesis. The currently available therapeutic strategies for MHE in clinical practice, including lactulose, rifaximin, probiotics, synbiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation, exert their effects mainly by modulating gut microbiota dysbiosis. Microbiome therapies for MHE have shown promised efficacy and safety;however, several controversies and challenges regarding their clinical use deserve to be intensively discussed. We have summarized the latest research findings concerning the roles of gut microbiota dysbiosis in the pathogenesis of MHE via the gut-liver-brain axis as well as the potential mechanisms by which microbiome therapies regulate gut microbiota dysbiosis in MHE patients.

Gut microbiota axis:potential target of phytochemicals from plant-based foods

Food-microbiota-host interactions provide an overarching framework for understanding the function of the gut microbiota axis.Diet is a major modulator of gut microbiota.Plant-based foods are rich in phytochemicals;therefore,it is essential to assess such foods and elucidate the mechanisms underlying their action.In this review,we summarize the role of gut microbiota in the communication between the gut and the brain,liver,lung,kidney,and joints,as well as the role of the gut microbiota axis in diseases involving these organs.In addition,we assess the effects of phytochemicals from plant-based foods on the gut microbiota axis via different pathways.

Oridonin restores hepatic lipid homeostasis in an LXRa-ATGL/EPT1 axis-dependent manner

Hepatosteatosis is characterized by abnormal accumulation of triglycerides(TG),leading to prolonged and chronic inflammatory infiltration.To date,there is still a lack of effective and economical therapies for hepatosteatosis.Oridonin(ORI)is a major bioactive component extracted from the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Rabdosia rubescens.In this paper,we showed that ORI exerted significant protective effects against hepatic steatosis,inflammation and fibrosis,which was dependent on LXRa signaling.It is reported that LXRa regulated lipid homeostasis between triglyceride(TG)and phosphatidylethanolamine(PE)by promoting ATGL and EPT1 expression.Therefore,we implemented the lipidomic strategy and luciferase reporter assay to verify that ORI contributed to the homeostasis of lipids via the regulation of the ATGL gene associated with TG hydrolysis and the EPT1 gene related to PE synthesis in a LXRadependent manner,and the results showed the TG reduction and PE elevation.In detail,hepatic TG overload and lipotoxicity were reversed after ORI treatment by modulating the ATGL and EPT1 genes,respectively.Taken together,the data provide mechanistic insights to explain the bioactivity of ORI in attenuating TG accumulation and cytotoxicity and introduce exciting opportunities for developing novel natural activators of the LXRa-ATGL/EPT1 axis for pharmacologically treating hepatosteatosis and metabolic disorders.

Studies on Performance of Distributed Vertical Axis Wind Turbine under Building Turbulence

As a part of the new energy development trend,distributed power generation may fully utilize a variety of decentralized energy sources.Buildings close to the installation location,besides,may have a considerable impact on the wind turbines’operation.Using a combined vertical axis wind turbine with an S-shaped lift outer blade and-shaped drag inner blade,this paper investigates how a novel type of upstream wall interacts with the incident wind at various speeds,the influence region of the turbulent vortex,and performance variation.The results demonstrate that the building’s turbulence affects the wind’s horizontal and vertical direction,as well as its speed,in downstreamplaces.The wall’s effect on wind speed changing in the downstreamarea is thoroughly investigated.It turns out that while choosing an installation location,disturbing flow areas or low disturbing flow zones should be avoided to have the least impact on wind turbine performance.