Enhancing the treatment of metabolic syndrome with integrative medicine

Metabolic syndrome, with the main clinical manifestations of obesity, dyslipidemia, elevated blood pressure, and elevated blood glucose levels, has become an increasingly prevalant global public health concern. Metabolic syndrome is a convergence of multiple risk factors related to cardiovascular disease. When the concept of metabolic syndrome was initially proposed, some researchers thought the concept was unnecessary, since there were already measures in place to describe the separate cardiovascular risk factors such as dyslipidemia, hypertension and diabetes. However, a large number of epidemiological investigations confirmed that even if blood glucose or blood pressure did not reach the cutoff point of the diseases,

Role of deubiquitinase JOSD2 in the pathogenesis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)is a deadly malignancy with limited treatment options.Deubiquitinases(DUBs)have been confirmed to play a crucial role in the development of malignant tumors.JOSD2 is a DUB involved in con-trolling protein deubiquitination and influencing critical cellular processes in cancer.AIM To investigate the impact of JOSD2 on the progression of ESCC.METHODS Bioinformatic analyses were employed to explore the expression,prognosis,and enriched pathways associated with JOSD2 in ESCC.Lentiviral transduction was utilized to manipulate JOSD2 expression in ESCC cell lines(KYSE30 and RESULTS )Preliminary research indicated that JOSD2 was highly expressed in ESCC tissues,which was associated with poor prognosis.Further analysis demonstrated that JOSD2 was upregulated in ESCC cell lines compared to normal esophageal cells.JOSD2 knockdown inhibited ESCC cell activity,including proliferation and colony-forming ability.Moreover,JOSD2 knockdown decreased the drug resistance and migration of ESCC cells,while JOSD2 overexpression enhanced these phenotypes.In vivo xenograft assays further confirmed that JOSD2 promoted tumor proliferation and drug resistance in ESCC.Mechanistically,JOSD2 appears to activate the MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways.Mass spectrometry was used to identify crucial substrate proteins that interact with JOSD2,which identified the four primary proteins that bind to JOSD2,namely USP47,IGKV2D-29,HSP90AB1,and PRMT5.CONCLUSION JOSD2 plays a crucial role in enhancing the proliferation,migration,and drug resistance of ESCC,suggesting that JOSD2 is a potential therapeutic target in ESCC.

Effects of Chinese herbal medicine Yiqi Huaju Formula on hypertensive patients with metabolic syndrome:a randomized,placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND： Patients with hypertension coupled with metabolic syndrome （MetS） are among the high risk population in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. To reduce the prevalence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, it is essential to appropriately control b^ood pressure together with other cardiovascular risk factors. OBJECTIVE： The current study was designed to investigate the therapeutic effects on blood pressure, blood pressure variability and other cardiovascular risk factors by giving Yiqi Huaju Formula, a compound traditional Chinese herbal medicine, in addition to routine treatment to hypertensive patients coupled with MetS. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS： A total of 43 patients with hypertension coupled with MetS were recruited into this study. The enrolled patients were randomly divided into the Chinese herbal formula group （anti-hypertensive drugs plus Yiqi Huaju Formula, CHF） and the control group （anti-hypertensive drugs plus placebo）. The CHF group enrolled 22 patients while the control group received 21 cases. Treatments were given for 12 weeks in both groups. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Parameters examined include 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance （HOMA-IR）, fasting glycosylated hemoglobin （HbAlc）, fasting plasma glucose, 2-hour postprandial plasma glucose （PPG）, fasting plasma insulin, serum lipid, etc. RESULTS： Compared with the control group, the CHF group had significant improvement （P〈0.01） in anthropometric parameters, FPG, HOMA-IR, blood pressure amplitude, blood pressure variability and blood pressure load. CONCLUSION： This study showed that integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine treatment can achieve better results in controlling blood pressure as well as other cardiovascular risk factors. The mechanism of controlling of blood pressure may be associated with the improvement of insulin sensitivity due to the Yiqi Huaju intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION IDENTIFIER： ChiCTR-TRC-11001633.

Effects of Chinese herbal medicine Yiqi Huaju Qingli Formula in metabolic syndrome patients with microalbuminuria:a randomized placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND： Microalbuminuria （MAU） is a key component of metabolic syndrome （MetS） and is an early sign of diabetic nephropathy as well. Although routine Western medicine treatments are given to MetS patients to control high blood pressure, hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia, some patients still experience progressive renal lesions and it is necessary to modify and improve the treatment strategy for MetS patients. OBJECTIVE： To investigate the efficacy of Yiqi Huaju Qingli Herb Formula, a compound traditional Chinese herbal medicine, in MetS patients with MAU when it is combined with routine Western medicine treatment. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS： Sixty patients with MetS were randomized into the Chinese herbal formula group （CHF, Yiqi Huaju Qingli formula treatment in combination with Western medicine） and control group （placebo in combination with Western medicine）. All treatments were administered for 12 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Urinary microalbumin （MA）, urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio （UACR）, 24-hour total urine protein （24-hTP）, body mass index （BMI）, waist circumference （WC）, waist-to-hip ratio （WHR）, fasting plasma glucose （FPG）, 2-hour postprandial plasma glucose （2-hPPG）, glycosylated hemoglobin （HbAlc）, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance （HOMA-IR）, blood lipid profile and blood pressure were observed. RESULTS： Compared with the control group, CHF treatment significantly decreased BMI （P〈0.05）, WC （P〈0.01） and WHR （P〈0.01）. Both groups had significant decreases in FPG, 2-hPPG, HbAlc, HOMA-IR, MA, and UACR, with CHF treatment showing better effects on these parameters compared with the control treatment （P〈0.05）. Both treatments significantly reduced the levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triacylglycerol （TAG）, and a greater reduction in TAG was observed with CHF treatment （P〈0.05）. The level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol did not change in the control group after treatment （P〉0.05）, whereas it significantly increased with CHF treatment （P〈0.01）. Compared with before the treatment, significant decreases in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial blood pressure were observed in both groups （P〈0.01）. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups （P〉0.05）. CONCLUSION： Combined treatment ofYiqi Huaju Qingli Formula and Western medicine significantly alleviated MAU, which may correlate with the improvement of insulin sensitivity and glucose and lipid metabolism. TRIAL REGISTRATION IDENTIFIER： This trial was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry with the identifier ChiCTR-TRC-11001633.

Overview of Research Trends in Precious Chinese Medicines

Introduction Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)has continued through centuries to this day since the ancient times and has contributed greatly to the well-being maintenance and disease treatment in China.[1-3]Before the ushering in of Western medicine into China in the 19th century,TCM had been the major healthcare and medical modality in Chinese communities.[4]This ancient art of healing has not diminished over time;conversely,it is now widely accepted by patients both in China and around the world owing to the shift of the disease spectrum and the rise of the“return to nature”paradigm.Moreover,TCM is attracting increasing attention from research circle worldwide.[5]At present,TCM is used in approximately 45%of the world’s countries,and a large amount of Chinese medicine raw materials is exported from China,and some of these Chinese medicines are collected directly from the wild.[6,7]Owing to the popularity of Chinese medicine around the world,the natural resources required for Chinese medicine production can hardly meet the rapidly increasing demand.Wild herbal resources are decreasing by approximately 30%every year.[5,8,9].

A Review on the Research of Precision Medicine for Cancer Based on the Integration of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine

Objective:To summarize and expound the general situation of precision medicine for cancer according to the current international research hot spots and treatment frontiers of cancer.Methods:This article makes an inventory from five aspects of treatment methods,detection technology,new drug research and development,information data and traditional Chinese medicine,"from point to surface","from outside to inside"and"integration of Chinese and Western medicine",to explore the whole picture of tumor treatment and research.Results:With the rapid development of tumor precision medicine in recent years,the tumor treatment methods have been developed from single to multiple.The research technology has been changed from macro to micro.The therapeutic drugs have been changed from systemic chemotherapy to targeted therapy,immunotherapy and other technologies.The treatment concept has been changed from local to overall.And the integrated treatment methods of traditional Chinese and Western medicine have brought a new chapter to tumor treatment.Conclusion:Through a series of new technologies,new methods and new concepts,tumor precision medicine promotes the treatment of tumors with integrated Chinese and Western medicine into a new chapter.

Gut dysbiosis aggravates cognitive deficits,amyloid pathology and lipid metabolism dysregulation in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

Gut dysbiosis,a well-known risk factor to triggers the progression of Alzheimer's disease(AD),is strongly associated with metabolic disturbance.Trimethylamine N-oxide(TMAO),produced in the dietary choline metabolism,has been found to accelerate neurodegeneration in AD pathology.In this study,the cognitive function and gut microbiota of TgCRND8(Tg)mice of different ages were evaluated by Morris water maze task(MWMT)and 16S rRNA sequencing,respectively.Young pseudo germ-free(PGF)Tg mice that received faecal microbiota transplants from aged Tg mice and wild-type(WT)mice were selected to determine the role of the gut microbiota in the process of neuropathology.Excessive choline treatment for Tg mice was used to investigate the role of abnormal choline metabolism on the cognitive functions.Our results showed that gut dysbiosis,neuroinflammation response,Ab deposition,tau hyperphosphorylation,TMAO overproduction and cyclin-dependent kinase 5(CDK5)/transcription 3(STAT3)activation occurred in Tg mice age-dependently.Disordered microbiota of aged Tg mice accelerated AD pathology in young Tg mice,with the activation of CDK5/STAT3 signaling in the brains.On the contrary,faecal microbiota transplantation from WT mice alleviated the cognitive deficits,attenuated neuroinflammation,Ab deposition,tau hyperphosphorylation,TMAO overproduction and suppressed CDK5/STAT3 pathway activation in Tg mice.Moreover,excessive choline treatment was also shown to aggravate the cognitive deficits,Ab deposition,neuroinflammation and CDK5/STAT3 pathway activation.These findings provide a novel insight into the interaction between gut dysbiosis and AD progression,clarifying the important roles of gut microbiota-derived substances such as TMAO in AD neuropathology.

Macrophage-derived SHP-2 inhibits the metastasis of colorectal cancer via Tie2-PI3K signals

This research aimed to explore the influence of Src homology-2 containing protein tyrosine phosphatase(SHP-2)on the functions of tyrosine kinase receptors with immunoglobulin and EGF homology domains 2(Tie2)-expressing monocyte/macrophages(TEMs)and the influence of the angiopoietin(Ang)/Tie2-phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)(Ang/Tie2-PI3K/Akt/mTOR)signaling pathway on the tumor microvascular remodeling in an immunosuppressive microenvironment.In vivo,SHP-2-deficient mice were used to construct colorectal cancer(CRC)liver metastasis models.SHP-2-deficient mice had significantly more metastatic cancer and inhibited nodules on the liver surface than wild-type mice,and the high-level expression of p-Tie2 was found in the liver tissue of the macrophages’specific SHP-2-deficient mice(SHP-2MACKO)+planted tumor mice.Compared with the SHP-2 wild type mice(SHP-2WT)+planted tumor group,the SHP-2MAC-KO+planted tumor group experienced increased expression of p-Tie2,p-PI3K,p-Akt,p-mTOR,vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2),matrix metalloproteinase 2(MMP2),and MMP9 in the liver tissue.TEMs selected by in vitro experiments were co-cultured with remodeling endothelial cells and tumor cells as carriers.It was found that when Angpt1/2 was used for stimulation,the SHP-2MAC-KO+Angpt1/2 group displayed evident increases in the expression of the Ang/Tie2-PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.The number of cells passing through the lower chamber and the basement membrane and the number of blood vessels formed by cells compared with the SHP-2WT+Angpt1/2 group,while these indexes were subjected to no changes under the simultaneous stimulation of Angpt1/2+Neamine.To sum up,the conditional knockout of SHP-2 can activate the Ang/Tie2-PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in TEMs,thereby strengthening tumor micro angiogenesis in the microenvironment and facilitating CRC liver metastasis.

OSW-1 triggers necroptosis in colorectal cancer cells through the RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL signaling pathway facilitated by the RIPK1- p62/SQSTM1 complex

BACKGROUND Necroptosis has emerged as a novel molecular pathway that can be targeted by chemotherapy agents in the treatment of cancer.OSW-1,which is derived from the bulbs of Ornithogalum saundersiae Baker,exerts a wide range of pharmaco-logical effects.AIM To explore whether OSW-1 can induce necroptosis in colorectal cancer(CRC)cells,thereby expanding its range of clinical applications.METHODS We performed a sequence of functional experiments,including Cell Counting Kit-8 assays and flow cytometry analysis,to assess the inhibitory effect of OSW-1 on CRC cells.We utilized quantitative proteomics,employing tandem mass tag label-ing combined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry,to analyze changes in protein expression.Subsequent bioinformatic analysis was conducted to elucidate the biological processes associated with the identified proteins.Transmission electron microscopy(TEM)and immunofluorescence studies were also performed to examine the effects of OSW-1 on necroptosis.Finally,western blotting,siRNA experiments,and immunoprecipitation were employed to evaluate protein interactions within CRC cells.RESULTS The results revealed that OSW-1 exerted a strong inhibitory effect on CRC cells,and this effect was accompanied by a necroptosis-like morphology that was observable via TEM.OSW-1 was shown to trigger necroptosis via activation of the RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL pathway.Furthermore,the accumulation of p62/SQSTM1 was shown to mediate OSW-1-induced necroptosis through its interaction with RIPK1.CONCLUSION We propose that OSW-1 can induce necroptosis through the RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL signaling pathway,and that this effect is mediated by the RIPK1-p62/SQSTM1 complex,in CRC cells.These results provide a theoretical foundation for the use of OSW-1 in the clinical treatment of CRC.

Hypoxia inducible factor-1α mediates protective effects of ischemic preconditioning on ECV-304 endothelial cells

AIM: To investigate whether hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is linked to the protective effects of ischemic preconditioning (IP) on sinusoidal endothelial cells against ischemia/reperfusion injury. METHODS: Sinusoidal endothelial cell lines ECV-304 were cultured and divided into four groups: control group, cells were cultured in complete DMEM medium; cold anoxia/warm reoxygenation (A/R) group, cells were preserved in a 4℃ UW solution in a mixture of 95% N2 and 5% CO2 for 24 h; anoxia-preconditioning (APC) group, cells were treated with 4 cycles of short anoxia and reoxygenation before prolonged anoxia- preconditioning treatment; and anoxia-preconditioning and hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) inhibitor (I-HIF-1) group, cells were pretreated with 5 μm of HIF-1α inhibitor NS398 in DMEM medium before subjected to the same treatment as group APC. After the anoxia treatment, each group was reoxygenated in a mixture of 95% air and 5% CO2 incubator for 6 h. Cytoprotections were evaluated by cell viabilities from Trypan blue, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release rates, and intracellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expressions. Expressions of HIF-1α mRNA and HIF-1α protein from each group were determined by the RT-PCR method and Western blotting, respectively. RESULTS: Ischemia preconditioning increased cell viability, and reduced LDH release and ICAM-1 expressions. Ischemia preconditioning also upregulated the HIF-1α mRNA level and HIF-1α protein expression. However, all of these changes were reversed by HIF-1α inhibitor NS398.CONCLUSION: Ischemia preconditioning effectively inhibited cold hypoxia/warm reoxygenation injury to endothelial cells, and the authors showed for the first time HIF-1α is causally linked to the protective effects of ischemic preconditioning on endothelial cells.

Role of miR-124 in the regulation of retinoic acid-induced Neuro-2A cell differentiation

Retinoic acid can cause many types of cells,including mouse neuroblastoma Neuro-2 A cells,to differentiate into neurons.However,it is still unknown whether microRNAs(miRNAs)play a role in this neuronal differentiation.To address this issue,real-time polymerase chain reaction assays were used to detect the expression of several differentiation-related miRNAs during the differentiation of retinoic acid-treated Neuro-2 A cells.The results revealed that miR-124 and miR-9 were upregulated,while miR-125 b was downregulated in retinoic acid-treated Neuro-2 A cells.To identify the miRNA that may play a key role,miR-124 expression was regulated by transfection of miRNA mimics or inhibitors.Morphological analysis results showed that inhibition of miR-124 expression reversed the effects of retinoic acid on neurite outgrowth.Moreover,miR-124 overexpression alone caused Neuro-2 A cells to differentiate into neurons,and its inhibitor could block this effect.These results suggest that miR-124 plays an important role in retinoic acid-induced differentiation of Neuro-2 A cells.

Qingyi decoction attenuates intestinal epithelial cell injury via the calcineurin/nuclear factor of activated T-cells pathway

BACKGROUND Recent studies have demonstrated that dysfunction of the intestinal barrier is a significant contributing factor to the development of severe acute pancreatitis(SAP).A stable intestinal mucosa barrier functions as a major anatomic and functional barrier,owing to the balance between intestinal epithelial cell(IEC)proliferation and apoptosis.There is some evidence that calcium overload may trigger IEC apoptosis and that calcineurin(CaN)/nuclear factor of activated Tcells(NFAT)signaling might play an important role in calcium-mediated apoptosis.AIM To investigate the potential mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effect of Qingyi decoction(QYD)in SAP.METHODS A rat model of SAP was created via retrograde infusion of sodium deoxycholate.Serum levels of amylase,tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α),interleukin(IL)-6,D-lactic acid,and diamine oxidase(DAO);histological changes;and apoptosis of IECs were examined in rats with or without QYD treatment.The expression of the two subunits of CaN and NFAT in intestinal tissue was measured via quantitative realtime polymerase chain reaction and western blotting.For in vitro studies,Caco-2 cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide(LPS)and QYD serum,and then cell viability and intracellular calcium levels were detected.RESULTS Retrograde infusion of sodium deoxycholate increased the severity of pancreatic and intestinal pathology and the levels of serum amylase,TNF-α,and IL-6.Both the indicators of intestinal mucosa damage(D-lactic acid and DAO)and the levels of IEC apoptosis were elevated in the SAP group.QYD treatment reduced the serum levels of amylase,TNF-α,IL-6,D-lactic acid,and DAO and attenuated the histological findings.IEC apoptosis associated with SAP was ameliorated under QYD treatment.In addition,the protein expression levels of the two subunits of CaN were remarkably elevated in the SAP group,and the NFATc3 gene was significantly upregulated at both the transcript and protein levels in the SAP group compared with the control group.QYD significantly restrained CaN and NFATc3 gene expression in the intestine,which was upregulated in the SAP group.Furthermore,QYD serum significantly decreased the LPS-induced elevation in intracellular free Ca^(2+)levels and inhibited cell death.CONCLUSION QYD can exert protective effects against intestinal mucosa damage caused by SAP and the protective effects are mediated,at least partially,by restraining IEC apoptosis via the CaN/NFATc3 pathway.

Negundoside,an irridiod glycoside from leaves of Vitex negundo,protects human liver cells against calcium-mediated toxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride

AIM:To evaluate the protective effect of 2'-p-hydroxy benzoylmussaenosidic acid [negundoside(NG) ,against carbon tetrachloride(CCl4) -induced toxicity in HuH-7 cells. METHODS:CCl4 is a well characterized hepatotoxin,and inducer of cytochrome P450 2E1(CYP2E1) -mediated oxidative stress. In addition,lipid peroxidation and accumulation of intracellular calcium are important steps in the pathway involved in CCl4 toxicity. Liver cells(HuH-7) were treated with CCl4,and the mechanism of the cytoprotective effect of NG was assessed. Silymarin,a known hepatoprotective drug,was used as control. RESULTS:NG protected HuH-7 cells against CCl4 toxicity and loss of viability without modulating CYP2E1 activity. Prevention of CCl4 toxicity was associated with a reduction in oxidative damage as reflected by decreased generation of reactive oxygen species(ROS) ,a decrease in lipid peroxidation and accumulation of intracellular Ca2+ levels and maintenance of intracellular glutathione homeostasis. Decreased mitochondrial membranepotential(MMP) ,induction of caspases mediated DNA fragmentation and cell cycle arrest,as a result of CCl4 treatment,were also blocked by NG. The protection afforded by NG seemed to be mediated by activation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP) synthesis and inhibition of phospholipases(cPLA2) . CONCLUSION:NG exerts a protective effect on CYP2E1-dependent CCl4 toxicity via inhibition of lipid peroxidation,followed by an improved intracellular calcium homeostasis and inhibition of Ca2+-dependent proteases.

Prunus sunhangii: A new species of Prunus from central China

A new species of Rosaceae from Central China, Prunus sunhangii D. G. Zhang & T. Deng, sp. nov., is described and illustrated. The new species is placed in Prunus subgenus Cerasus by flower and fruit characteristics. It is most similar to Prunus cerasoides, but differs by having longitudinally 2-lobed apical petals, an acuminate leaf apex, 17—25 stamens, white petals, dark black drupes, brown hypanthium, and different phenology. The phylogenetic placement of this species was assessed based on morphological and molecular data. Molecular analysis(cp DNA + ITS) corroborated its placement in subgenus Cerasus,specifically Prunus section Serrula.

Clinical implication of FDG uptake of bone marrow on PET/CT in gastric cancer patients with surgical resection

AIM To determine the relationship between F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose(FDG) uptake of bone marrow(BM) on positron emission tomography/computed tomography(PET/CT) and clinical factors and to assess the prognostic value of FDG uptake of BM in gastric carcinoma.METHODS We retrospectively enrolled 309 gastric cancer patients who underwent staging FDG PET/CT and curative surgical resection. FDG uptake of primary tumor was visually classified as positive or negative FDG uptake. Mean FDG uptake of BM(BM SUV) and BM-to-liver uptake ratio(BLR) were measured. The relationships of BM SUV or BLR with clinical factors were evaluated. The prognostic values of BM SUV, BLR, and other clinical factors for predicting recurrence-free survival(RFS) and overall survival(OS) were assessed.RESULTS Of 309 patients, 38 patients(12.3%) experienced cancer recurrence and 18 patients(5.8%) died. Patients with advanced gastric cancer, positive FDG uptake, and recurrence had higher values of BM SUV and BLR than those with early gastric cancer, negative FDG uptake, and no recurrence(P < 0.05). BM SUV and BLR were significantly correlated with hemoglobin level, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and platelet-tolymphocyte ratio(P < 0.05). On multivariate analysis, multiple tumors, T stage, lymph node metastasis, tumor involvement of resection margin, and BLR were significantly associated with RFS(P < 0.05). T stage, lymph node metastasis, hemoglobin level, and BLR were significantly associated with OS(P < 0.05). CONCLUSION BLR on PET/CT was an independent prognostic factor for RFS and OS in gastric cancer patients with curative surgical resection.

Selective ablation of type 3 adenylyl cyclase in somatostatin-positive interneurons produces anxiety-and depression-like behaviors in mice

BACKGROUND Major depressive disorder(MDD)is a highly disabling psychiatric syndrome associated with deficits of specific subpopulations of cortical GABAergic interneurons;however,the underlying molecular mechanism remains unknown.Type 3 adenylyl cyclase(ADCY3,AC3),which is important for neuronal excitability,has been implicated in MDD in a genome-wide association study in humans.Moreover,a study reported that ablation of AC3 in mice caused similar symptoms as MDD patients.AIM To determine if disruption of the AC3 gene in different subtypes of GABAergic interneurons of mice causes depression-like behaviors.METHODS Using immunohistochemistry,we investigated the expression of AC3 in two major subtypes GABAergic interneurons:Somatostatin-positive(SST+)and parvalbumin-positive(PV+)neurons.Genetic manipulations were used to selectively disrupt AC3 expression in SST+or PV+interneurons.A series of behavior tests including rotarod test,open field test(OFT),elevated plus maze test(EPM),forced swimming test(FST),and tail suspension test(TST)were used to evaluate the motor ability,anxiety-and depression-like behaviors,respectively.RESULTS Our results indicate that approximately 90.41%of SST+and 91.22%of PV+interneurons express AC3.After ablation of AC3 in SST+interneurons,the mice spent comparable time in the center area in OFT,but significantly less time in the open arms and low frequency of entries to the open arms in EPM.Furthermore,these mice showed prolonged immobility in FST and more freezing in TST.However,there were no significant changes in these behaviors after specific disruption of AC3 in PV+interneurons.CONCLUSION This study indicates that ablation of AC3 in SST+interneurons of mice increases anxiety-and depression-like behaviors in mice,supporting the general hypothesis that decreased AC3 activity may play a role in human depression.

Isolation, purification and characterization of carboxymethyl cellulase (CMCase) from endophytic Fusarium oxysporum producing podophyllotoxin

Endophytic fungus Fusarium oxysporum is a rich source of cellulases. In the present study, the highest activity was reported at 28 ° C, pH 5.6 with 2% Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as carbon source. CMC was purified using Sephadex G and DEAE cellulose chromatography to 15.9 folds and the molecular weight was determined to be 84 kDa by SDS-PAGE analysis and was subsequently characterized. The purified enzyme was stable over the pH range from 4.0 to 8.0 and at temperatures below 50 ° C. The enzyme was highly active on CMC and reduced or no activity on Avicel, cellobiose and it was suggested to be CMCase/endoglucanase. The activity of endoglucanase was enhanced in the presence of MgCl2, CoCl2, FeCl3, CaCl2, FeCl2 and intensive to HgCl2. The purified enzyme showed its optimum activity at pH 5.0 - 6.0 and was quite stable at 50 ° C for 30 min and retained 45% of original activity.

Bioprospection of marine actinomycetes: recent advances,challenges and future perspectives

In exploring new sources for economically important products, marine environment draws particular attention because of its remarkable diversity and extreme conditions;it is known to produce metabolic products of great value. It represents untapped source for the discovery of novel secondary metabolites with varying potential such as antibiotic, anti-tumor, antifouling and cytotoxic properties. Marine actinomycetes distributed throughout the marine environment from shallow to deep sea sediments have proved to be a finest source for this discovery. Secondary metabolites derived from marine actinomycetes have proved their worth in industries based on the research on their properties and wide range applications. Spotlight of the review is range of marine based actinomycetes products and significant research in this field. This shows the capability of marine actinomycetes as bioactive metabolite producers. Additionally, the present review addresses some effective and novel approaches of procuring marine microbial compounds utilizing the latest screening strategies of drug discovery from which traditional resources such as marine actinobacteria has decreased due to declining yields. The aim is in the context of promoting fruitful and profitable results in the near future. The recent surfacing of new technologies for bioprospection of marine actinomycetes are very promising, resulting in high quality value added products, and will be de?ning a new era for bioactive compounds with medical and biotechnological applications.

Effect of Jianpi Jiedu Recipe on angiogenesis and the PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in the course of Helicobacter pylori-induced gastric cancer in C57BL/6 mice

目的：观察健脾解毒方对幽门螺杆菌（H.pylori）感染C57BL/6小鼠诱发胃癌过程中的胃粘膜血管新生和PTEN（Phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosometen）/PI3K/AKT信号通路的影响.方法：建立H.pylori标准株NCTC11637感染C57BL/6小鼠诱发胃癌的动物模型,将200只C57BL/6小鼠随机分成5组,即对照组、模型组、健脾解毒方低中高剂量组,每组40只.健脾解毒方低、中、高剂量每只小鼠分别灌服健脾解毒方250、500、1000mg·kg-1·d-1.72周后,尿素酶实验检测小鼠胃粘膜H.pylori感染情况,组织病理学检查小鼠胃粘膜癌变率,免疫组化法检测H.pylori感染对小鼠胃粘膜微血管密度（Microvessel density,MVD）、血管内皮生长因子（vascular endothelial growth factor,VEGF）和PTEN/PI3K/AKT信号通路的影响.结果：72周后,对照组、模型组、健脾解毒方低中高剂量组H.pylori感染率分别为0%,100%,3%,0%,0%,中药组感染率明显下降;各组小鼠胃癌发生率分别为为0%、26.3%、13.2%、10%、7.5%,中药组较模型组发生率明显减低（P=0.020,P=0.023,P=0.007）.模型组MVD和VEGF表达量较对照组明显升高（P=0.002,P〈0.001）,中药组可降低MVD和VEGF表达.模型组p-PTEN和p-AKT的表达较对照组明显升高（均P〈0.001）,中药组可不同程度的降低p-PTEN和p-AKT的表达.结论：H.pylori长期感染C57BL/6小鼠可诱发胃粘膜癌变,增加胃粘膜MVD,促进VEGF表达,抑制PTEN活性,从而激活PI3K/AKT信号通路.健脾解毒方可降低小鼠胃粘膜H.pylori感染率,降低癌变率,抑制MVD和VEGF表达,减少PTEN失活,从而阻断PI3K/AKT信号通路可能是其预防胃癌的重要靶点.

Adenylate cyclase activator forskolin alleviates intracerebroventricular propionic acid-induced mitochondrial dysfunction of autistic rats

Neuronal mitochondrial dysfunction increases inflammatory mediators and leads to free radical generation and anti-oxidant enzymatic alterations,which are major neuropathological hallmarks responsible for autism.Mitochondrial dysfunction in autism is associated with decreased ATP levels due to reduced levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate.Rat models of autism were established by intracerebroventricular injection of propionic acid.These rat models had memory dysfunction,decreased muscle coordination and gait imbalance.Biochemical estimation of propionic acid-treated rats showed changes in enzyme activity in neuronal mitochondrial electron transport chain complexes and increases in pro-inflammatory cytokines,oxidative stress and lipid biomarkers.Oral administration of 10,20 and 30 mg/kg adenylate cyclase activator forskolin for 15 days reversed these changes in a dose-dependent manner.These findings suggest that forskolin can alleviate neuronal mitochondrial dysfunction and improve neurological symptoms of rats with autism.This study was approved by the RITS/IAEC,SIRSA,HARYANA on March 3,2014(approval No.RITS/IAEC/2014/03/03).