The effect of cordycepin on renal damage by correcting hypothyroidism
The paper investigated the effect of cordycepin on renal damage induced by hypothyroidism and studied the effect of thyroid function recovery on renal damage. The hypothyroid rat model was established by continuous intragastric administration of propylthiouracil (PTU). The general state, thyroid function, renal function, blood lipid, pathological changes and damage of kidney tissues of rats in each group. The expressions of MCP-1 and Desmin proteins, which is a marker of podocyte damage, in the kidney were all detected by immunohistochemistry. The result of thyroid function examination was consistent with the characteristics of hypothyroidism. The renal damage and lipid metabolism disorder appeared in the hypothyroidism rats along with the progression of the disease, with the blood lipid increased and the expression of MCP-1 increased. Using this model to study the pathogenesis of hypothyroidism renal damage is more clinically practical and the administration of Cordycepin can improve the symptoms. Cordycepin can improve thyroid function, and can significantly alleviate renal damage in rats. By correcting thyroid function, Cordycepin can reduce renal damage and blood lipid, reduce the expressions of MCP-1 and Desmin proteins, thus delaying the progress of renal damage and protecting the kidney.
Phytochemical profiling and antioxidant activities of bodhi tree leaf extract (Ficus religiosa L.) on nitric oxide and catalase
Metabolic syndrome is on the verge of becoming a global epidemic. It is a complex, chronic illness that has epidemic proportions in most industrialized nations. This study examines the antioxidant potential of a sacred plant, the bodhi tree (Ficus religiosa). The capability of F. religiosa to suppress nitric oxide (NO) production and enhance catalase activity was determined using colorimetry methods. Additionally, liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy was used to determine the phytochemical profile of the plant. The contribution of detected compounds was predicted using activity spectra for biologically active substances online. This study revealed the activity of F. religiosa to suppress NO production with IC value was 63.57μg/mL. The activity of F. religiosa to increase the catalase activity did not follow the increase of extract concentration, in contrast with the NO test. The concentration with optimum activity was 10μg/mL. The extract can increase catalase activity by 45.45% in this concentration. The presence of corchorifatty acid F, D-(-)-Quinic acid, 2,5-dihydroxybenzaldehyde and gentisic acid, confirmed by LC-MS/MS, might contribute to the antioxidant activity of F. religiosa. In summary, the antioxidant activity of F. religiosa was mediated by NO production suppression and catalase activity enhancement.
HCC control by lycorine-based restraining of the MiR-224-5p/COLEC10 axis
Lycorine (LYC), as a natural alkaloid, possesses various significant biological activities. This study aims to investigate the impact and underlying mechanisms of LYC on the malignant progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The levels of miR-224-5p, collectin subfamily member 10 (COLEC10) and inflammatory factors were quantified by RT-qPCR. The levels of COLEC10 and EMT relevant proteins were identified by Western blotting. Effects of LYC on the biological behaviors of HCC cells were assessed. The Dual-Luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the targeting relationship between miR-224-5p and COLEC10. Additionally, A subcutaneous xenograft model of HCC was created in nude mice. HCC tissues and cells exhibited elevated level of miR-224-5p, while COLEC10 was lower. Overexpression miR-224-5p enhanced HCC cells proliferation, migration, invasion, EMT and inflammatory response, while suppressed apoptosis. Moreover, miR-224-5p targeted the expression of COLEC10 negatively. COLEC10 silenced could offset the suppression of HCC advancement induced by silenced miR-224-5p. While LYC down regulated miR-224-5p level and inhibited the HCC malignant progression. In conclusion, LYC can down regulate the levels of miR-224-5p, upregulate the levels of COLEC10 and thus inhibit the malignant progression of HCC.
Effect of Huoxue Huayu decoction on limb swelling in the late stage of bone injury and its influence on motor function
To explore the therapeutic effect of Huoxue Huayu Decoction on limb swelling in the late stage of bone injury and its influence on motor function. Mainstream databases were searched by inputting the keywords "Huoxue Huayu Decoction" and "bone injury swelling". According to the research scope, 13 articles with a total of 1414 patients were screened out and divided into an observation group (n=707 cases) and a control group (n=707). The clinical effects, degree of limb swelling, recovery of motor function and incidence of adverse reactions of the two groups of patients treated with traditional Chinese medicine Huoxue Huayu Decoction and western medicine respectively in the treatment of limb swelling in the late stage of fracture were compared and analyzed. The clinical efficacy of the observation group was significant. The motor function score (VAS), limb swelling elimination time, hospitalization time, motor function recovery and adverse reaction incidence of the observation group were significantly better than those of the control group. The traditional Chinese medicine Huoxue Huayu Decoction is effective for limb swelling in the late stage of bone injury. It can relieve pain, reduce hospitalization time and has high drug safety.
Clinical efficacy of treatment with high-dose naloxone in comatose patients in the emergency medicine department
This study examines the clinical efficacy of high-dose naloxone in comatose emergency patients, focusing on its ability to enhance brain metabolism and reduce oxidative stress. A total of 120 patients were randomly assigned to a control group, which received conventional naloxone doses and a study group, which received higher doses. Key outcomes measured included clinical efficacy, time to awakening, blood gas indices, inflammatory factors, consciousness level, neurological recovery and adverse effects. The study group showed a higher response rate (96.67% vs. 83.33%), regained consciousness more quickly and had better blood gas indices and glasgow coma scale (GCS) scores (p<0.05). Neurological function recovery was superior in the study group, with fewer adverse reactions (6.67% vs. 20.00%, p<0.05). These results suggest that high-dose naloxone significantly improves treatment outcomes, enhancing wakefulness, reducing inflammation and improving prognosis in emergency comatose patients, making it a promising option for clinical use.
Vincristine loaded pegylated liposomal drug delivery for efficient treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Vincristine sulfate (VIN) is commonly employed as a cytotoxic agent in the treatment of hematological malignancies, particularly acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). However, its maximum therapeutic benefits have been hindered due to the dose-dependent neurotoxic effects it can induce, which traditionally manifest as autonomic and peripheral sensory-motor neuropathy. The innovative approach aimed to address VIN's neurotoxic limitations while preserving its therapeutic efficacy in combating hematological malignancies, including ALL. The liposomes were prepared using the reverse-phase evaporation method. This method involved the encapsulation of VIN within liposomes through a controlled evaporation process. Secondly, PEGylated liposomes were synthesized through PEGylation. The liposomes were examined using scanning electron spectroscopy, revealing a smooth and spherical surface morphology. The particle size of the liposomes ranged from 90±0.5 to 120±0.4 nm. The encapsulation efficiency of the liposomes was found to be 77.24% and the highest drug release reached 95% over 50 hours. Cytotoxicity studies demonstrated that the liposomal formulation exhibited a non-toxic nature. Furthermore, in an in-vivo cellular uptake study, the PEGylated liposomes showed efficient accumulation within tumor cells. The liposomal formulation demonstrated superior effectiveness in treating ALL compared to the pure form of the drug.
An untargeted UPLC-Q-TOF-MS-based plasma metabonomics revealed the effects of peperomin E in a prostate cancer nude mouse model
Peperomia dindygulensis is used as an anticancer medicinal plant in China and is rich in a series of novel secolignans, including peperomin E (PE). In our prior study, we demonstrated the significant reduction in tumor weight and volume in vivo in a PCa DU145 cell xenograft tumor mouse model following PE treatment. However, the impact of PE on PCa metabolism remains unclear. Therefore, the objective of this investigation is to examine the influence of PE on metabolism regulation within a PCa mouse model. An untargeted UPLC-Q-TOF-MS plasma metabolomics approach was carried out to explore the mechanism of action of PE in a human prostate cancer DU145 cell xenograft tumour mouse model based on principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), identification of potential biomarkers and pathway analysis. A total of 71 potential plasma metabolite biomarkers were identified in the nude mouse model and 36 of which were reversed to different degrees after the treatment with PE. These identified biomarkers primarily relate to amino acid metabolism, fatty acid metabolism and cholic acid metabolism. These findings showed that PE could improve endogenous metabolism in the DU145 cell xenograft tumor mouse model and offered a reliable foundation for the design of new therapeutic drugs for treating PCa.
Mitigation of addictive effects induced by lorazepam through concurrent administration of SSRI: Interplay of serotonin and dopamine in caudate and nucleus accumbens
The present study aimed to assess the antidepressant profile of fluoxetine in the rats exhibiting lorazepam-induced abusive effects in place preference paradigm. Lorazepam, a benzodiazepine is commonly utilized for treating anxiety, panic attacks, status epilepticus, depressive disorders and sedation. Despite its therapeutic benefits, repeated lorazepam administration can lead to dependence, possibly involving heightened dopaminergic neurotransmission. Additionally, an important role is played by serotonergic system in anxiety and addiction pathophysiology and treatment. The study aimed to examine fluoxetine's impact on lorazepam-induced addiction, as fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, enhances 5-HT availability by inhibiting its reuptake in neurons. Behavioral parameters, including growth rate, food intake, behaviors in forced swim test, open field, light dark box test, Skinner's box and conditioned place preference, were monitored in rats subjected to oral lorazepam (2 mg/kg) and fluoxetine (1mg/kg) administration. Neurochemical analysis suggests that fluoxetine enhances serotonin levels, which counteracts the dopamine-driven addictive effects of lorazepam within the caudate and nucleus accumbens. This supports the notion that serotonin-dopamine interplay facilitates mitigate dependency by stabilizing the reward pathways following lorazepam administration.
Barks and leaves of Lauraceae plants as anti-acne
Acne vulgaris is an inflammatory skin disease caused by several factors, including an imbalance of microorganisms compared to the normal microbial distribution in healthy tissue. The Lauraceae family which have been reported from antiseptic. This research was conducted to assayed the compounds, the biological activity of the Lauraceae plant essential oil (EO) could against microbes. EO Were isolated by steam water distillation and had antibacterial effects were analyzed by microdilution in broth medium and EO compounds were analyzed by GC-MS. The most abundant components present in N. cassia leaves cinnamyl acetate, N. cassia bark beta-citronellol, linalool, e-citral and geraniol, C. verum bark eugenol, C. burmanni leaves linalool, alpha-terpineol, eucalyptol, cinnamaldehyde, caryophyllene, cinnamyl, leaves of Cinnamomum camphora contains camphor. The highest antimicrobial activity against C. acnes was given by oil from the leaves and bark of Neolitsea cassia, against S. aureus and by oil from the bark of C. verum and N. cassia and C. burmannii leaves. The oil of C. champora leaves gave better activity than the barks against these microbes. It was found that the leaves of C. champora had the highest yield of oil compared to the other part of Lauraceae plants tested and it has a strong antibacterial activity toward microbes commonly present in acne vulgaris.
Novel pyrimidine derivatives and black cumin as xanthine oxidase inhibitors: Synthesis, docking study and formulation
In this work, to attempt discovery of novel xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitors, we developed a method for optimizing the Nigella sativa oil extraction by considering the seed size particles, the liquid seed ratio, the duration of the extraction procedure and the temperature of extraction. On the other hand, new pyrimidine and triazolopyrimidine derivatives were prepared in an attempt to mimic the pyrazolpyrimidine structure of allopurinol (a well-known xanthine oxidase inhibitor drug). Most of the developed compounds were shown to have strong xanthine oxidase inhibitory activities, while Nigella sative extract and compound 6b ranked as the most effective inhibitors (IC=1.87 and 0.63μg/ml, respectively, versus Allupurinol's IC=0.62μg/ml). Nigella sative extract and compound 6b showed potent activity (IC=0.60μg/ml). In addition, compound 6b was formulated as effervescent granules and exhibited good flow-ability properties. To further understand the approach of binding between synthesized compounds 6a-c and xanthine oxidase, a molecular docking investigation was conducted. These findings highlight the discovery of a novel group of xanthine oxidase inhibitors with the potential to improve the state-of-the-art treatment for gout.
Atractylodis macrocephalae rhizoma tianma soup mixed with peach kernel safflower fried in the treatment of acute cerebral infarction: A randomized controlled trial
We studied the effectiveness of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma Tianma soup mixed with peach kernel safflower Fried in treating acute cerebral infarction. 96 patients were divided into two groups and received routine treatment as per hospital guidelines. 48 patients were given the herbal mixture while the rest were not. A comparison of inflammatory factors, coagulation, liver and kidney function showed significant differences between the two groups on day 14. The observation group had higher APTT, PT, TT values and ALP levels, but lower BUN levels compared to the control group. The observation group had significantly higher ALP levels and GGT levels on day 14 compared to the control group, while Cr and BUN levels were lower. This difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The peach kernel safflower fried and Attractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma Tianma soup combination reduces inflammation in acute cerebral infarction patients, improving clinical symptoms without any reported adverse reactions.
Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening and antioxidant potential of Bulbine inflata (Asphodelaceae)
Bulbine inflata is one of the species in the genus Bulbine that are yet to be documented for potential medicinal uses. Hence, we carried out its preliminary phytochemical profiling and investigated its antioxidant potential. The leaves were dried using air- and freeze-drying techniques and were extracted by water, methanol, ethyl acetate and hexane. Various common colour tests were used for the presence of phytochemicals. Some of the phytochemicals were further quantified. Phosphomolybdate, 2, 2 diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl, hydrogen peroxide and metal chelating assays were used to assess the antioxidant potential of B. inflata. Tannin, flavonoids, phenols, glycosides, steroids, coumarins, quinones, saponins and terpenoids were detected phytochemicals in B. inflata leaves. The highest total phenolic, flavonoid and tannin contents, as well as total antioxidant capacity, were recorded for water extract. B. inflata showed moderate to high antioxidant activities against DPPH, HO and metal chelating. Freeze-dried samples presented with higher results than air-dried samples in most assays. The results showed the potential of B. inflata for medicinal uses and could expand the ethnomedicinal resources in the communities where it is prevalent and beyond.
Improving growth and development in children with growth hormone deficiency through transdermal treatment of acupoints with the tonifying spleen and kidney method in conjunction with growth hormone therapy
This retrospective analysis aimed to evaluate the potential benefits of integrating transdermal acupoint therapy with the tonifying spleen and kidney method alongside growth hormone (GH) treatment for pediatric patients suffering from growth hormone deficiency (GHD). Clinical data of 115 pediatric patients with GHD were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were categorized into two distinct groups for the analysis: The conventional GH treatment group (n=62) and the combined group of acupoint transdermal therapy alongside GH treatment (n=53). Baseline characteristics, hormone levels, bone mineral density (BMD), physical growth parameters and adverse events were compared. The baseline characteristics of the two groups were well-matched. After one year of treatment, the combined group showed significantly lower levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (P<0.001), testosterone (P<0.001), estrogen (P<0.001), thyroid-stimulating hormone (P<0.001), insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (P=0.009) and free thyroxine (P<0.001) compared to the conventional group. The transdermal treatment group demonstrated significantly higher BMD at multiple sites (P<0.05) and improved physical growth parameters (P<0.05) compared to the conventional group. Furthermore, the transdermal treatment was not linked to a higher occurrence of adverse incidents and showed significant correlations with various growth and development indexes (P<0.05). Combined therapy showed promising effects on endocrine function and physical growth.
Effects of bupropion on nicotine withdrawal associated disturbances in circulating corticosterone and brain 5-HT turnover in mice
Bupropion (Bup), an antidepressant, is used to treat depression and aid in quitting smoking. We aim to investigate the influence of Bup on nicotine withdrawal (NW)-associated disturbances in serotonergic neurotransmission and behavior in mice. Adult albino mice were categorized into control and NW groups. Each group was further divided into saline and Bup-administered (n=6/group). NW groups received nicotine at a concentration of 3.08 mg (equivalent to 1 milligram of free base) in 100 ml of tap water for four weeks, while the control group received nicotine-free water. To induce nicotine withdrawal, the nicotine-containing water was substituted with tap water for 72 hours. Bup (20 mg/kg) and saline were administered (i.p.) three hours before the completion of the 72-hour withdrawal period to the test and control groups, respectively. NW signs were monitored in both groups. Bup-treated NW mice demonstrated a decline in corticosterone levels while concurrently exhibiting an increase in 5-HT synthesis with decreased 5-HT turnover compared to NW saline controls. A positive correlation between plasma corticosterone and 5-HT turnover was also found in Bup-administered NW mice. Taken together, Bup has potential therapeutic effects on nicotine withdrawal-associated somatic signs due to its ability to attenuate 5-HT turnover and plasma corticosterone in dependent mice.
Efficacy of glyceryl trinitrate in reducing cardiac events when given concomitantly with capecitabine for at least 3 months in various tumors
Capecitabine is an oral pro-drug of 5-flourouracil used in treatment of different cancers. It has cardiotoxicity incidence of 3-35%, which can be significant enough to cause myocardial infarction. To evaluate the efficacy of glyceryl trinitrate in reducing cardiac events when given concomitantly with capecitabine for at least 3 months in various tumors. A quasi-experimental study was conducted in Hameed Latif Hospital from January 2019 to December 2023. A total of 65 patients with various malignancies and ECOG 0-2 were included. Glyceryl trinitrate was given before capecitabine for at least 3 cycles with 2.6 mg dosage twice a day. Cardiotoxicity was assessed after each 21-days cycle by taking history and ECG. Echocardiogram was done at 3-month follow up Patients aged from 49 to 86 years. Adverse events were noted in 3 (4.6%) patients. Two patients (3.1%) suffered from angina (grade 2 cardiotoxicity) while 1 (1.5%) suffered from a myocardial infarction (grade 3 cardiotoxicity). On stratification, only treatment in adjuvant setting (p<0.001) was found to be a possible risk factor. Glyceryl trinitrate may have potential to be used concomitantly with capecitabine to reduce the frequency of serious cardiac events in cancer patients. However, further studies are needed.
Evaluation of wound healing activity of hydromethanolic extract of Jacobaea maritima leaves in rabbits
The study investigated the wound healing efficacy of Jacobaea maritima leaf extract in rabbits through various wound models. A methanol-based extract was prepared from air-dried J. maritima leaves and used to formulate ointments at concentrations of 5%, 10% and 20%. Acute dermal toxicity tests confirmed no adverse reactions at the highest dose (2000mg/kg). The extract's wound healing activity was assessed using excision, incision and burn wound models. In the excision wound model, all extract concentrations significantly enhanced wound contraction compared to the control, with the 20% extract showing the highest efficacy (100% contraction by day 22). The extract also reduced epithelialization time, with the 20% formulation performing similarly to nitrofurazone. In the burn wound model, the extract ointments led to substantial wound contraction and shorter epithelialization times compared to controls, with the 20% concentration achieving 100% contraction by day 24. Histopathological examinations revealed improved healing in extract-treated wounds, with enhanced neovascularization and collagen deposition. These results suggest that J. maritima leaf extract possesses potent wound healing properties, effectively reducing healing times and enhancing tissue repair across different wound models. The study supports the potential of J.maritima as a valuable ingredient in wound care formulations.
Effect of thrombolytic therapy with rt-PA at different times on neurological function and complications in patients with acute cerebral infarction
This study investigates the effects of rt-PA thrombolytic therapy at varying times on neurological function and complications in acute cerebral infarction (ACI) patients. A total of 120 ACI patients admitted between August 2019 and July 2021 were divided into three groups based on the timing of rt-PA treatment: <3h (40 patients), 3-4.5h (55 patients), and >4.5h (25 patients). All received standard treatment and rt-PA IV thrombolysis. Key comparisons included cerebral oxygen metabolism, oxidative stress, neural markers, hemodynamics, coagulation function, NIHSS scores, ADL, clinical efficacy and complications. Results showed that 48 hours post-treatment, SjvO2 levels were significantly higher in the <3h and 3-4.5h groups compared to the >4.5h group. SOD levels were also higher in the earlier groups, while MDA levels were lower. Three months after treatment, NIHSS scores were significantly lower and ADL scores higher in the <3h and 3-4.5h groups, with lower complication rates. Efficacy was similar within 3 hours and 3-4.5 hours, but complications increased significantly after 4.5 hours.
Comparative and combination study of simvastatin alone and in combination with Beta vulgaris in hyperlipidemia patients
Phytomedicine is gaining acceptance as well preference in health care management for various diseases. Drug combinations are mostly used clinically for hyperlipidemia, as single-agent therapy is insufficient. Statins remain the cornerstone of hyperlipidemia. The objective of the present research is to manage hyperlipidemia with the least amount of medicine effective clinically, thereby limiting its side effects. Study was carried out with 140 registered hyperlipidemia patients, divided into two groups. Group-A received simvastatin 20mg oral daily & Group B received a combination of simvastatin and beta-valgaris capsules twice a day for 90 days. Pre and post treatment values were compared within the groups and between the groups. Group B shows statistically significant decrease (p<0.05) in serum total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides (TG) and CRP levels. Also significant improvement (p<0.05) was noted for high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels (20.1% to 57.4%) in group B after completion of study. On the basis of our study results, we can conclude that statins remained to be the mainstay treatment for patients with elevated cholesterol levels. However, the combination has a synergistic effect and reduces oxidative stress (OS) as well.
Active mechanism of "Zishen Huayu Fang" in treating intrauterine adhesions based on network pharmacology and macromolecular docking
The study is investigating the mechanism of therapeutics of "Zishen Huayu Fang" in the adhesions of intrauterine. Pharmacology systems have been employed as active ingredients of 131 compounds like Luteolin, Quercetin and Kaempferol in this research study in a combination of other compounds to prove the efficacy of the Zishen Huayu Fang in the treatment of adhesions inside the uterus. The study aims to understand how the ingredients in "Zishen Huayu Fang" interact with the body, particularly how they can assist in the prevention, mitigation and elimination of adhesions inside the uterus. KEGG and GO databases and tools are used to analyze gene functions and interactions in the proposed research study. The signaling pathways such as PI3K-Akt, AGE-RAGE, HIF-1, TNF, are involved in the study to understand the critical aspects of cellular function, such as inflammation, metabolism and cell survival. This study is examining how the formula affects these crucial pathways, which could be linked to its therapeutic effects on uterine adhesions. The study suggests that "Zishen Huayu Fang" influences the expression of key targets, particularly STAT3, MAPK1, AKT1, HSP90AA1 and JUN, through active ingredients, providing a foundation for further investigation into its therapeutic efficacy in intrauterine adhesions.
The synergistic effect of miR-203 and cytarabine on the inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis in chronic myelogenous leukemia cells
Cytarabine (Ara-C) is a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug for the treatment of leukemia, known for its significant tolerability. The down regulation of miR-203 in leukemia cells suggests its potential involvement in the pathogenesis of leukemia. In this study, we investigated the effects and possible mechanisms of miR-203 and Ara-C on proliferation and apoptosis of human leukemia K562 cells which were cultured with Ara-C and/or with transfection of miR-203 expression vectors. Our results showed that the combination of Ara-C and miR-203 synergistically inhibited the proliferation of K562 cells and the sensitivity of leukemia cells to Ara-C was increased by 2.5-fold with trasfection of miR-203. The proportion of apoptotic cells in the Ara-C and miR-203 combination group was higher than Ara-C or control plasmid group. Caspase-3 and caspase-9 activities were increased in Ara-C and miR-203 combination group. miR-203 down regulated the protein level of Bcr/abl in K562 cells compared with plasmid control. In conclusion, Ara-C in combination with miR-203 has a synergistic effect of proliferation inhibition and apoptosis induction in chronic myelogenous leukemia K562 cells, which may be associated with miR-203 down regulating Bcr/abl, thereby inhibiting cell proliferation and promoting cell apoptosis.
Out of chaos: Past transformed presents future options
Uncertainty in pharmaceutical manufacturing and real-world utility can lead to anxiety, while predictabilitysuch as meeting targets or passing inspections-instills confidence and ensures quality. A systems approach infused with design thinking is vital for accurately, precisely and consistently achieving the correct targets and evidencing success. This approach must address real-world needs, expectations and unadulterated communication of documented evidence of consistent quality. Cultivating higher consciousness, or qualia, is essential but challenging. As the world appears to spiral into chaos, how we tackle this challenge will determine whether we face a dystopian future or true enlightenment. This article explains why transforming the past is necessary and how to do so in a way that presents new, meaningful options for an enlightened future.